Residents of Kochi have bid farewell to the era of ultra-fast grocery deliveries. The once-common promise of receiving orders in under ten minutes has disappeared from popular delivery apps, replaced by significantly longer wait times. This major shift follows a nationwide strike by app-based delivery workers and marks a fundamental change in the city's quick commerce landscape.
The End of the 10-Minute Promise
In recent days, users across Kochi have noticed a stark change. For distances under three kilometres, the minimum delivery time displayed on apps has now extended to 20 minutes or more. This is a direct reversal of the previous marketing commitment to deliver within a rough 3km radius in just ten minutes. The core selling point of instant gratification, which defined these platforms, has been effectively dismantled.
This transformation is a direct outcome of the collective action taken by gig workers. They organised a nationwide strike on December 31 and January 1, demanding fair pay, dignity, and safety. A central grievance was the oppressive ten-minute delivery target, which they argued was unsafe and unrealistic on Kochi's often traffic-clogged and pothole-ridden roads.
Gig Workers Gain Breathing Space
Under the old system, automated platforms would penalise riders with reduced ratings and pay for delays, forcing them into risky behaviour. Jerin K J, a gig worker, explained the immense stress, stating he was forced to overspeed to meet the deadline. The change has brought relief. "Now we have breathing space and delay in delivery does not affect our remuneration," Jerin said.
There has also been a slight improvement in earnings. Workers now earn approximately Rs 80 for a 4.5 km ride, compared to the earlier Rs 60. This field has seen a surge in Kochi, attracting many young people from other districts as it offers flexible, non-permanent work without a mandatory notice period. For Jerin, it's a stopgap arrangement while he plans a move to Europe in six months.
Union Warns: Changes May Be Short-Lived
However, labour representatives caution against viewing this as a permanent victory. Ameer Azad, Vice-President of the All Kerala Gig and Platform Workers Union (CITU), believes the trend might be temporary. He argues the minimal hike is merely a tactic to retain workers. "We get the benefits only during the surge period. Otherwise, the payment remains poor. There is lack of transparency and accountability on the field," Azad stated, highlighting ongoing structural issues in the gig economy.
The shift in Kochi represents a significant moment where worker advocacy has visibly altered a core consumer service. While customers now wait longer, the change underscores a critical move towards prioritising delivery personnel's safety and well-being over unsustainable speed. The long-term stability of these new terms, however, remains to be seen.
