Zomato has introduced a new heat-relief initiative for its delivery partners, rolling out cooling vests across select cities as temperatures climb beyond 40°C.
The pilot covers over 2,500 delivery partners across 14 cities. Designed using evaporative (PVA-based) cooling technology, the vests are built to provide relief for up to four hours. The company noted that the gear is lightweight, anti-microbial and durable enough to last up to two summer seasons, making it suitable for daily use in extreme heat conditions.
The initiative has been launched in collaboration with Shell Foundation and Trane Technologies under its SPACES programme, with implementation support from Intellecap.
This move builds on Zomato’s earlier efforts to support its gig workforce. In 2023, the company launched ‘Rest Points’ under The Shelter Project-shared spaces offering amenities such as drinking water, washrooms, charging stations and first-aid kits. By mid-2024, around 450 such points had been established across India, accessible to delivery partners across platforms.
Across the industry, similar welfare initiatives are gaining momentum. Competitors like Swiggy have expanded climate-controlled “Recharge Zones,” reflecting a broader push toward improving working conditions in the gig economy.
While still in its pilot phase, Zomato’s cooling vest initiative highlights a growing focus on workforce well-being, as delivery platforms balance rapid scale with sustainable and humane operational practices.
