Millions of food orders likely delayed across Delhi today
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are facing a major hurdle as thousands of delivery partners have stayed off the roads. On a day that usually sees the highest volume of food and grocery orders, a massive gig workers strike Delhi has been launched to demand better working conditions and pay transparency.
Major Disruptions Expected
The strike, called by major unions including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-based Transport (IFAT), is expected to involve nearly 1.5 lakh workers. While a previous protest on Christmas saw limited participation, today’s action is likely to hit platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and Blinkit much harder. For residents in Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad, getting a quick meal or party supplies might become a challenge as the clock ticks toward 2026.
Why are Workers Protesting?
The grievances of the delivery partners are deep-rooted. Many workers describe the current environment as "blood-sucking," pointing to the extreme pressure of the 10-minute delivery model. To meet these deadlines, riders often risk their lives by skipping red lights or speeding through heavy traffic.
Key demands include:
Impact on Businesses and Customers
Restaurant owners are worried about significant financial losses and food wastage. Since New Year’s Eve business can be four times higher than a normal day, the absence of delivery fleets is a major blow. While some apps are trying to coordinate with local authorities to keep services running, many customers have already started placing bulk orders in advance to avoid the strike’s impact.
Despite the pressure, many workers say they simply cannot survive on the current wages, which often leave them with barely Rs 300-400 a day after fuel and rental expenses.
