Bengaluru Residents Weigh In on Quick-Commerce Delivery Changes
The Union labour minister's recent directive to quick-commerce platforms has ignited lively discussions across Bengaluru. The call to abandon flashy "10-minute delivery" promises has residents talking about how this shift will affect their daily routines.
Mixed Reactions from Daily Users
From busy kitchens to dining tables, Bengalureans are considering the practical implications. Many wonder whether essential ingredients like coriander leaves or curd will still arrive before cooking finishes or meals conclude.
Sudha Ramakrishnan, a homemaker from Shantinagar and mother of three, shared her perspective. "I typically order while cooking begins, confident that delivery agents will bring items like eggs, lemons, bread, and tomatoes promptly. Now we must adjust our expectations since deliveries might not happen within ten minutes."
Several quick-commerce platforms have already indicated they will drop rigid ten-minute claims following the labour ministry's push. This development has prompted users to suggest practical alternatives.
Practical Solutions Emerge
Users have proposed various approaches to maintain convenience while reducing pressure on delivery partners:
- Flexible delivery windows with optional priority fees for urgent needs
- An "emergency mode" for essential items that allows prioritization without forcing risky behavior
- Maintaining competitive pricing and discounts even without time-based promises
Pratima S, a 35-year-old resident of Bannerghatta Road, expressed a common sentiment. "It's not a deal-breaker for me. I don't believe we truly need deliveries within ten minutes. Waiting thirty minutes works fine. The convenience of nearby dark stores remains valuable for emergencies and daily groceries."
She added, "An emergency marking option would help prioritize deliveries when necessary. We typically compare prices across apps anyway. Ultimately, gig workers choose their pace since they earn commissions per order."
Safety Concerns Take Priority
Renuka P, a 34-year-old Electronics City resident, highlighted safety considerations. "I order from Zepto and Blinkit weekly for my children's fruits and toys. The ten-minute promise seems more about corporate competition than genuine need. An extra fee for priority delivery could serve urgent requirements without pressuring workers."
"After watching that viral video of a delivery agent jumping from a moving train, I realized no delivery justifies risking lives or causing trouble," she emphasized.
AP Arunthathi, a Kasturinagar copywriter, echoed this view. "I use these apps regularly for groceries and essentials. The convenience of not leaving home plus attractive discounts makes ordering worthwhile. Safe delivery matters more than speed—I don't mind waiting thirty minutes. The variety and convenience outweigh super-fast delivery needs."
Shanker, a 23-year-old frequent user from JP Nagar, called the move timely. "This is smart, especially with Swiggy's strong market presence. It reduces pressure on delivery partners and prioritizes their safety and wellbeing."
Gig Workers Welcome the Change
Delivery partners themselves have praised the policy shift. Asha A, a 32-year-old Hebbal resident with four to five years of gig work experience, explained the relief.
"This is a positive development. Companies advertise ten minutes, but we usually take ten to fifteen minutes for delivery. Removing that pressure gives us more time and peace of mind instead of constant rushing. Customers sometimes scold us for delays. Navigating Bengaluru traffic within ten minutes proves extremely difficult."
Thimmareddy, another gig worker, expressed similar sentiments. "We're very happy about this change. Recently, one delivery person died trying to deliver on time. Sometimes we're in distant locations and cannot reach quickly. We occasionally jump traffic signals or ride on pavements. Traffic police often show leniency toward delivery partners, but we still risk our lives. Without ten-minute pressure, we can travel more safely."
The conversation continues across Bengaluru as residents and workers adapt to evolving quick-commerce dynamics. While convenience remains important, safety and realistic expectations are gaining prominence in the delivery ecosystem.
