The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to construct permanent multipurpose rest sheds equipped with basic amenities for gig workers and its sanitation workforce across all 67 wards of the city. This initiative aims to provide a dignified resting space for delivery personnel, app-cab drivers, couriers, and sanitation workers who currently lack proper facilities.
Experimental Phase Successful
On an experimental basis, the civic body has already established three such facilities, which also serve as attendance hubs for regular and temporary sanitation workers. Until now, gig workers in Bhubaneswar had no designated place to pause safely, often resorting to perching on road dividers or exposed corners.
Features of the Rest Sheds
According to BMC Deputy Commissioner N Ganesh Babu, each ward will have a multipurpose rest shed operational throughout the year. These sheds are designed not as dormitories but as practical rest stops along long routes. Key features include:
- Cooling facilities in summer to provide relief from heat.
- Shelter during rainy season to protect from sudden downpours.
- Sitting arrangements with reclining seats for comfortable rest.
- Drinking water and a clean, dependable environment.
- An outer front portion that can be used as a parking lot for two-wheelers.
Benefits for Sanitation Workers
For the sanitation workforce, these sheds replace exposed gathering points. Workers can now check in under one roof, receive instructions, and begin work after a few minutes of rest. The same facility remains open to gig workers who need a safe stop between orders.
Future Plans
The BMC is currently identifying suitable spaces in all 67 wards to construct permanent rest sheds. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve working conditions for essential service providers in the city.
