Delivery partners have average speed of 15kmph: Deepinder on 10-minute deliveries
The concept of 10-minute deliveries has taken the food delivery industry by storm, with companies like Zomato and Swiggy promising to deliver food to customers within a matter of minutes. However, this has also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of delivery partners, who are often under pressure to deliver food quickly. A day after gig workers staged a strike seeking a ban on the 10-minute delivery system among other things, Zomato Founder Deepinder Goyal has come out to defend the system, saying that the quick deliveries are enabled by the density of stores and not by delivery partners driving fast.
According to Goyal, the average speed of delivery partners is around 15kmph, which is a far cry from the high speeds that many people imagine. “The rider drives an average of under 2kms in about 8 minutes…That’s an average of 15kmph,” he said. This statement is likely to come as a surprise to many, who assume that delivery partners are speeding through the streets to deliver food within the promised time frame.
Goyal’s statement highlights the importance of store density in enabling quick deliveries. By having a large number of stores in a small area, companies like Zomato can ensure that delivery partners do not have to travel long distances to pick up orders. This not only reduces the time taken for delivery but also makes the process more efficient and safer for delivery partners.
The strike by gig workers, which took place a day before Goyal’s statement, was called to protest against the 10-minute delivery system, among other things. The workers argued that the system puts them under immense pressure to deliver food quickly, often forcing them to drive at high speeds and take risks on the road. They also demanded better working conditions, more pay, and greater job security.
While Goyal’s statement may help to alleviate some of the concerns around the 10-minute delivery system, it is unlikely to address all of the issues raised by the gig workers. The fact remains that delivery partners are still under pressure to deliver food quickly, and this can lead to stress and fatigue. Moreover, the lack of job security and benefits for gig workers is a broader issue that needs to be addressed by companies and policymakers.
In recent years, the food delivery industry has grown exponentially, with companies like Zomato, Swiggy, and UberEats competing fiercely for market share. The 10-minute delivery system has been a key differentiator for these companies, allowing them to promise customers fast and convenient food delivery. However, this has also raised concerns about the sustainability of the model, particularly in terms of the impact on delivery partners.
As the food delivery industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more innovations and experiments with different delivery models. Some companies are already exploring the use of drones and robots for food delivery, which could potentially reduce the need for human delivery partners. Others are focusing on more sustainable and environmentally-friendly delivery options, such as electric or hybrid vehicles.
Ultimately, the key to success in the food delivery industry will be finding a balance between convenience, sustainability, and fairness. Companies need to ensure that their delivery partners are treated fairly and with respect, and that they are not put under undue pressure to deliver food quickly. At the same time, companies need to innovate and experiment with new delivery models that can help to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.
In conclusion, Deepinder Goyal’s statement highlights the importance of store density in enabling quick deliveries, and helps to alleviate some of the concerns around the 10-minute delivery system. However, it is unlikely to address all of the issues raised by gig workers, and companies need to do more to ensure that their delivery partners are treated fairly and with respect. As the food delivery industry continues to evolve, it will be important to find a balance between convenience, sustainability, and fairness.
News Source: https://x.com/deepigoyal/status/2006738218339766488
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