About 34.1% of delivery workers find 15-min deliveries more physically demanding, report shows

As India’s quick-commerce sector continues to accelerate, a new survey has shed light on the mounting physical and mental challenges faced by the gig workers powering this industry. While consumers increasingly expect food, groceries, and essentials at the tap of a button, the demand for ultra-fast delivery is intensifying pressures on those tasked with fulfilling these promises.

A recent report by Borzo, a global intra-city delivery service, reveals that about 34.1% of delivery workers find 15-minute deliveries significantly more physically demanding compared to longer delivery timelines. By contrast, 26.7% said 60-minute deliveries posed greater physical challenges, while 27.7% found both timelines equally taxing. Only 11.5% of the riders reported that neither timeline, whether 10 minutes or 60 minutes, is physically difficult.

The survey, which covered 10,900 gig delivery workers across more than 20 Indian cities, highlights critical issues tied to the rise of rapid commerce—from increased stress levels and compromised road safety to the evolving role of public transport in urban logistics.

Growing strain on workers

According to the findings, approximately 57.3% of riders reported experiencing higher stress levels during 15-minute deliveries, compared with 42.7% who felt stressed when operating within a 60-minute window. Shorter delivery timelines also heightened urgency: 32.3% of gig workers said they felt rushed during 15-minute jobs, versus 19% for 60-minute assignments.

When it comes to safety, an overwhelming 80.6% of respondents believed that a 60-minute timeframe promoted safer driving, compared to the risks posed by the 15-minute delivery model.

Navigating the trade-offs

Despite the pressures, many delivery workers acknowledged certain advantages tied to quicker deliveries. Nearly 47.7% of riders said that completing more orders per hour was the biggest benefit of 15-minute deliveries, while 31.3% appreciated the shorter distances typically involved. Smaller parcel sizes and lower per-delivery expenses were also noted as positives.

Conversely, longer 60-minute windows were prized for different reasons. About 38.4% said it was easier to meet deadlines, 30.3% pointed to better earnings per delivery, and 22.9% emphasised the reduced mental and physical stress.

The primary difficulty in 15-minute delivery models, cited by 31.8% of riders, was the intense pressure to meet tight deadlines. High-speed riding and constant urgency were also significant concerns. For 60-minute deliveries, the main hurdles included navigating traffic congestion (40.3%) and lower order density per hour (28.9%).

Public transport and new possibilities

The survey also explored the potential role of public transport in reshaping urban delivery patterns. Roughly 50.6% of delivery workers expressed willingness to use local trains, metro systems, and buses for deliveries, while 49.4% preferred not to.

Among those in favour, many cited cost savings — 28.8% believed public transport would be more economical compared to petrol expenses and EV rentals. Others pointed to benefits like a less stressful work environment and higher potential earnings per delivery.

However, opinions remained split on whether greater public transport use could meaningfully reduce urban traffic congestion, with 55.7% saying it would help and 44.3% disagreeing.

Balancing speed, safety, and sustainability

As quick commerce platforms race to capture market share with the backing of venture capital funding, Borzo’s report underscores the need for a more balanced approach to growth. About 56.5% of delivery workers believe that 60-minute deliveries allow for more profitable and sustainable operations, while 43.5% feel that 15-minute models maximise earning potential through higher order volumes.

Encouragingly, the survey also found that 91.8% of riders found batch deliveries — completing multiple orders along similar routes — to be a convenient and efficient way to optimise their workflows.

“While quick commerce and ultra-fast deliveries have undoubtedly added convenience for consumers, the growing pressure on the supply chain calls for deeper reflection,” said Alina Kisina, CEO of Borzo.

"As the quick commerce sector continues to expand, it’s essential that platforms prioritise workers. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance between delivering quickly and ensuring riders can perform their jobs safely and efficiently. The industry must listen to their experiences and adapt different approaches to support the riders for their well-being and efficiency," Kisina added.

In India, Borzo operates a fleet of over 50,000 delivery partners, serving hyperlocal businesses and SMEs across major and emerging cities. Notably, the country's gig economy is booming, and the market is expected to grow to 23.5 million workers by 2029-2030, according to a report, ‘India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy.’