Zomato and Blinkit's Record Deliveries on New Year's Eve despite gigs strike
On New Year's Eve, Zomato and its quick-delivery service Blinkit pulled off something massive—they delivered over 7.5 million orders in a single night. This happened despite gig worker unions calling for strikes over pay, working conditions, and the dangers of super-fast delivery times. Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal called it a record-breaking success, crediting the hard work of delivery riders and the strength of the company's systems.
The numbers were staggering. More than 6.3 million customers got food or groceries delivered, with over 450,000 riders working across India. Goyal said this was done without any special bonuses beyond the usual higher pay that comes with New Year's Eve. According to him, only "0.1% troublemakers" tried to disrupt things, while the vast majority of delivery partners chose to work. Local police also helped keep things running smoothly, stopping anyone from intimidating or blocking riders.
The strike calls focused on long-standing problems in the gig economy. Delivery worker unions argued that the pay structures are unfair, that riders are pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines, and that the 10-minute delivery model puts safety at risk. Critics often point out how these systems can push people to drive dangerously or work themselves to the bone. Goyal, however, rejected these claims, saying the company's systems are designed to balance speed with safety. He admitted that "no system is perfect," but dismissed accusations of exploitation as "biased narratives" pushed by groups with their own agendas.
Zomato and Blinkit weren't the only ones having a big night. Rival platform Swiggy also reported record sales on New Year's Eve, showing that demand for food and quick deliveries was through the roof across the whole industry. The festive season, combined with the ease of ordering through apps, created a surge that overwhelmed traditional restaurants and shops but was handled smoothly by these platforms.
But underneath all the celebration of big numbers, there's a deeper problem. Gig workers keep raising concerns about fair pay, safety, and being treated with respect. While companies bang on about efficiency and happy customers, unions argue that these achievements come at the workers' expense. The debate reflects a bigger challenge in modern economies: how do you balance customer convenience with treating workers decently?
In the end, Zomato and Blinkit's record-breaking deliveries on New Year's Eve show just how huge the demand for quick commerce is in India and how well these platforms can handle it. At the same time, the event highlights the unresolved issues around worker rights and safety in the gig economy. For customers, it was a night of convenience and celebration. For companies, it was proof they can handle massive scale. For workers, though, it's a reminder that their voices mustn't get drowned out by all the talk of record numbers.