Zomato and Blinkit witnessed record-breaking order volumes on New Year’s Eve, even as gig worker unions called for strikes across parts of India. Despite protests and demands for better pay and safety measures, food and grocery deliveries continued almost without disruption. The night turned into one of the busiest periods ever for India’s quick-commerce and food delivery platforms.
Zomato and Blinkit Hit Record Orders on New Year’s Eve Amid Gig Worker Strike Calls
Unions, including the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers, raised strong demands ahead of the celebrations. They called for a minimum monthly wage of ₹40,000, comprehensive accident insurance, and an end to the pressure of 10-minute deliveries. According to union leaders, such tight delivery timelines increase stress and accident risks, especially during high-demand nights like New Year’s Eve.
However, operations on the ground told a different story. More than 4.5 lakh delivery partners logged in and worked through the night, helping serve nearly 63 lakh customers across cities. Orders ranged from party meals and late-night snacks to last-minute grocery runs. The sheer scale of participation ensured that customers received their orders on time, despite concerns of large-scale disruptions.
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal addressed the situation by highlighting the strength of Blinkit’s infrastructure. He explained that dense store networks, with delivery distances often under 2 km, played a key role in fast fulfillment. Goyal also noted that there were no special incentives beyond standard surge boosts, yet delivery partners earned over ₹100 crore collectively during the peak demand window.
Union representatives, however, viewed the high volumes differently. They argued that the rush reflected economic pressure and desperation, not satisfaction. According to them, once fuel, vehicle maintenance, and time are factored in, some workers earn as little as ₹50 per hour. From their perspective, record orders highlight the imbalance between platform profits and gig workers’ net earnings.
Goyal countered these claims by emphasizing the flexibility and accessibility of gig work. He pointed out that millions choose platform-based jobs for control over working hours and quick income opportunities. According to him, the sector continues to create large-scale employment, especially for those seeking short-term or supplemental work.
Zomato New Year’s Eve orders, Blinkit delivery record, gig worker strike India, and food delivery wage debate reflect the evolving dynamics of India’s gig economy. The New Year’s Eve surge shows both the strength of platform logistics and the ongoing tension around worker rights, making it a defining moment for the future of quick commerce and app-based employment in India.
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According to Zomato, delivery partners earned over ₹100 crore in total during the New Year’s Eve surge.
