Bengaluru: Tight delivery timelines, in-app reminders and countdown timers on Rapido’s zero-commission food delivery platform Ownly have raised concerns over the safety of delivery partners navigating Bengaluru’s congested roads.
Former Rapido delivery partner Mehaboob Pasha told TNIE that riders are given around five minutes for every kilometre. If an order is not completed within the stipulated time, customers may cancel it, with the resulting loss allegedly being borne by the delivery partner.
Riders say countdowns add pressure
Pasha said the countdown system can force riders to travel faster to reach destinations before the timer expires.
He said the pressure to meet the timelines was among the reasons he eventually stopped working on the platform after incurring losses.
Another delivery partner, identified as Arumugam, said meeting the stipulated timelines was particularly difficult in Bengaluru because of heavy traffic and unpredictable road conditions.
Although incentives were attracting delivery partners to the platform, he claimed the delivery pressure was making it difficult for some riders to continue.
Gig workers’ safety questioned
Shaik Salauddin, National General Secretary of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), said the safety of gig workers should not be compromised in the pursuit of faster deliveries.
He questioned who would take responsibility for workers’ lives and livelihoods if riders were involved in accidents while trying to meet delivery targets.
Salauddin also called for greater government intervention in the functioning of platform companies, warning that expanding opportunities for gig workers should not come at the cost of their safety and security.
Safety concerns grow in Bengaluru
The concerns come against the backdrop of Bengaluru’s heavy traffic and challenging road conditions, where delivery riders spend long hours navigating busy streets.
The allegations have put the spotlight on whether delivery timelines and app-based performance systems adequately account for real-world traffic conditions and rider safety.
Rapido was contacted for its response to the concerns, though the response was not included in the material provided. #Bengaluru #Rapido #Ownly #DeliveryPartners #GigWorkers #RoadSafety #FoodDelivery