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As severe heat grips various regions of the country, the working conditions of millions of gig workers associated with e-commerce and quick commerce are once again under scrutiny. Delivery personnel riding bikes and scooters in major cities face heightened risks of dehydration, exhaustion, and heatstroke. Due to the pressure of timely deliveries and set targets, these workers often find themselves working during the hottest parts of the day, with limited access to clean drinking water and shade along their routes.

In response to these challenges, Amazon has initiated 'Project Ashray,' establishing 100 air-conditioned rest centers in key cities. These centers are equipped with seating, restrooms, and first aid facilities. According to the company, delivery personnel from other companies can also utilize these centers. Each month, over 150,000 delivery workers benefit from access to drinking water, mobile charging stations, and first aid services at these locations. Additionally, health camps are being organized nationwide, where doctors provide advice on heat protection.

Zomato, in collaboration with its restaurant partners and other companies, has set up over 5,000 rest areas equipped with shade and water for its delivery workers. Furthermore, delivery personnel from Zomato and Blinkit are now covered under health insurance plans that include hospitalization and treatment facilities. The Tata Group's BigBasket has also created rest areas at its centers, providing seating, ventilation, and drinking water. Jepto is upgrading its warehouses and centers with coolers and other heat protection measures. All centers are equipped with drinking water, restrooms, and facilities to combat heat-related illnesses, along with insurance coverage for heatstroke and dehydration. Some companies are even developing wearable cooling devices, while Swiggy and others have introduced special cooling jackets designed to lower body temperature temporarily.