Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha spent a night working as a gig delivery rider to understand the risks, pressure and hardship faced by app-based workers, as the government announced a major shift in delivery timelines.
‘Making the invisible visible’
Chadha joined Shivam, a delivery rider associated with Blinkit, for an overnight shift in Delhi’s winter cold. In a video shared online, Chadha said the aim was to experience first-hand the realities of gig work and bring workers’ struggles into public view.
The move comes after Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy would drop the mandatory 10-minute delivery deadline following sustained concerns over worker safety.
Long hours, low pay, high risk
Shivam, a rider for over a year, revealed that while earlier expectations promised monthly earnings of ₹40,000–₹50,000, the reality was far lower. His day often begins at 7 am and stretches till 11 pm, leaving barely two to three hours for rest.
During the ride-along, he explained how fluctuating app distances and strict timelines force riders to take risks, including riding against traffic. A 2.7 km delivery earned him just ₹44, with no reimbursement for return trips.
On his most exhausting day, Shivam said he completed 54 deliveries over 17–18 hours without food or water.
Accidents, penalties and no safety net
Shivam recounted multiple accidents caused by rushing to meet targets, including broken limbs, yet said he continued working even with injuries. He alleged that despite submitting medical documents, he received no insurance support and faced penalties for missed deliveries.
Earning ₹22,000–₹24,000 a month, with ₹9,000 spent on bike rent alone, he works every day under constant pressure to stay online.
Hope for change
Shivam said recent discussions give him hope that worker voices are finally being heard. Chadha reiterated that policy reforms must translate into real safety, dignity and fair earnings for gig workers across India.