Zomato and Blinkit Enhance Support for Gig Workers Amid Heatwave

Zomato and Blinkit Announce Measures to Support Delivery Partners Amid Ongoing Heatwave in India

In an effort to strengthen existing measures and introduce new safeguards, Zomato and Blinkit, part of the Eternal group, have announced a series of initiatives to support their delivery partners during the ongoing heatwave in India. The company shared details of the initiative in a press release on Thursday.

The move aims to ensure the health and safety of gig workers operating in extreme temperatures. Delivery partners are now covered under an enhanced health insurance programme, which includes OPD coverage with reimbursement of up to ₹5,000, along with IPD (hospitalisation) and day-care coverage of up to ₹1 lakh. The programme also offers personal accident insurance with ₹10 lakh coverage in case of accidental death.

In addition, delivery partners and their families — including spouse and children — can access teleconsultations and online doctor services, with the company bearing the full cost of these premiums. This comprehensive health insurance coverage is a significant step towards supporting the well-being of delivery partners.

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Emergency and SOS Support

In case of medical emergencies, delivery partners can access ambulance services and 24x7 SOS support through a dedicated SOS button on the Zomato and Blinkit delivery partner apps. This timely support ensures that delivery partners receive immediate assistance in case of a medical crisis.

Weather Tracking and Alerts

The company uses a weather intelligence system to monitor seasonal patterns across India. Based on this, delivery partners receive timely in-app alerts and guidance to help them navigate extreme weather conditions safely.

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Customer Awareness Initiatives

During periods of extreme heat, customers using the Zomato and Blinkit apps are encouraged to offer a glass of water to delivery partners. They are also prompted to consider tipping as a gesture of support.

Blinkit-Specific Initiatives

• Blinkit has equipped its dark stores with summer-friendly facilities such as pedestal fans, air coolers, benches, and water dispensers.
• The company is distributing over 1.5 lakh glucose sachets daily to delivery partners.
• Blinkit’s ‘Doctor@Store’ initiative provides free medical consultations and treatment for delivery partners and their families. Initially launched at select locations, the service has now been expanded to cover around 50% of its dark stores. The programme has already facilitated more than 1.5 lakh consultations, with further expansion planned.

Zomato-Specific Initiatives

• Through partnerships with restaurants, Zomato now offers access to over 5,000 rest points across India. These facilities provide water, shade, seating, and washrooms, allowing delivery partners to rest while waiting for orders.
• Collaborations with TVS Motor Company and Shell have enabled access to rest points at select service stations and fuel pumps. These facilities are open to delivery partners across platforms, supporting the wider gig workforce.
• Zomato is also offering cooling gear at subsidised prices via its delivery partner app, including lightweight sunscreen jackets with UPF 50+ protection, designed to provide sun protection and reduce heat exposure during long hours outdoors.