Amid soaring summer temperatures, Zomato has introduced a pilot initiative to support its delivery partners by rolling out cooling vests across select cities in India.
The company announced that over 2,500 delivery partners across more than 14 cities will trial the vests, which are designed using evaporative (PVA-based) cooling technology. According to Zomato, the lightweight, anti-microbial gear can provide relief for up to four hours and is durable enough to last for two summer seasons.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Shell Foundation and Trane Technologies through its SPACES programme, with on-ground support from Intellecap.
This move builds on Zomato’s earlier efforts to improve working conditions for its gig workforce. In 2023, the company launched ‘Rest Points’ under The Shelter Project—dedicated, platform-agnostic spaces offering amenities such as drinking water, washrooms, charging stations, Wi-Fi, and first-aid kits. By mid-2024, around 450 such rest points had been established across the country, accessible to delivery partners from multiple platforms, including Swiggy and Blinkit.
The broader industry has also been stepping up welfare initiatives. Swiggy now operates over 900 climate-controlled “Recharge Zones,” while Blinkit has enhanced summer preparedness at its dark stores with cooling infrastructure such as fans, air coolers, seating, and hydration support. Zomato, meanwhile, has introduced subsidised cooling gear through its delivery partner app, including UPF 50+ sunscreen jackets for outdoor use.
While the cooling vest rollout remains a pilot, it reflects a growing emphasis among food delivery and quick commerce platforms on operational sustainability that includes workforce well-being alongside efficiency, especially as extreme weather conditions become more frequent.
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