NEW DELHI: Food delivery platform Zomato has begun testing cooling vests for its delivery partners in a bid to reduce heat stress during extreme summer conditions. The initiative is currently being rolled out as a trial across more than 14 cities in India.
According to company updates and reports, over 2,500 delivery workers have been included in this pilot phase. The move comes at a time when several parts of the country are witnessing temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about the health and safety of gig workers who spend long hours outdoors. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Shell Foundation, Trane Technologies, and Intellecap.
How the cooling vests work
The vests use evaporative cooling technology. They are made from a special fabric that retains water. Once soaked, the vest gradually cools the body as the water evaporates, similar to the natural cooling effect of sweat.
These vests are lightweight and designed for use in high temperatures. They can provide cooling for up to four hours depending on weather conditions and are built to last up to two summers.
Rising heat risks for gig workers
Delivery workers for platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and quick commerce firms operate in challenging conditions during summer. Many spend between eight to twelve hours on the road each day.
With heatwaves becoming more intense and frequent, workers face risks such as dehydration, fatigue, and heatstroke. According to reports, worker groups and labour organisations have recently raised demands for better protections, including regulated working hours during peak heat and access to cooling infrastructure.
Industry and policy context
The pilot by Zomato is being seen as part of a broader response to growing pressure on gig economy platforms to improve working conditions. There have been calls for government intervention to ensure minimum safety standards during extreme weather.
While some companies have introduced measures such as hydration support and rest points, experts say more structured policies may be required as climate conditions worsen.
Trial phase and next steps
At present, the cooling vests are being distributed on a trial basis. The company is expected to assess feedback from delivery partners before deciding on a wider rollout.
It remains unclear whether the vests will be provided free of cost in the long term or if additional measures such as reduced working hours during peak heat will be introduced.
The cooling vest initiative marks a step towards addressing heat-related risks faced by delivery workers. However, as temperatures continue to rise across India, the effectiveness of such measures will depend on scale, accessibility, and broader policy support for gig workers.
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