Inside the life of a Zomato delivery partner in Bengaluru's gig economy

In 2020–21, Bengaluru saw tens of thousands of delivery partners working for food delivery apps like Zomato. One of them, Biswas, shared his experiences from the job—highlighting both the earnings potential and the risks involved. His time with the company also shaped his views on gig work and its future in India. Biswas worked as a Zomato delivery partner in Bengaluru during 2020–21. At the time, the city had around 50,000 to 60,000 active delivery workers for the platform. He earned roughly Rs 40,000 per month, though some partners made as much as Rs 80,000 to Rs 90,000 by juggling multiple apps.

Safety remained a constant concern. Biswas faced incidents like food snatching and other threats while on duty. Zomato responded to such risks with measures like GPS tracking, in-app emergency buttons, and insurance coverage. The company also collaborated with local police to create safer zones for delivery staff. Despite the challenges, Biswas valued the system's flexibility. He used Zomato's medical insurance and opposed calls to equate gig work with forced labour. Instead, he argued that converting gig roles into fixed-salary, exclusive jobs could weaken the model's efficiency. His experience reinforced his belief in large-scale, technology-driven solutions for the sector.

Biswas's time with Zomato reflects both the opportunities and dangers of gig work in India. The company's safety measures and insurance support addressed some risks, while earnings varied widely. His perspective underscores the ongoing debate about how to balance flexibility with worker protections in the industry.