Quick-commerce platform Blinkit has reportedly withdrawn its 10-minute delivery service after the Union Labour Ministry intervened amid growing concerns over gig worker safety and working conditions. The development follows a nationwide strike by delivery workers on December 31, 2025, during which participants demanded better labour protections and the removal of ultra-fast delivery commitments.
The strike, which saw participation from gig workers across multiple cities, highlighted issues such as long working hours, lack of social security benefits, and increased pressure linked to rapid delivery promises. Workers argued that expectations surrounding 10-minute deliveries encouraged unsafe driving behaviour and heightened the risk of accidents on congested urban roads.
Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reportedly took note of these concerns and held discussions with stakeholders, including representatives of gig workers and platform companies. Following this intervention, Blinkit is said to have discontinued its 10-minute delivery option, marking a significant shift in its operational approach.
Earlier, Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal had dismissed safety concerns associated with the ultra-fast delivery model. He had stated that the 10-minute delivery timer was designed for customer information only and that delivery partners were not required to complete orders within that timeframe. According to the company, the system relied on strategically located dark stores across cities, allowing deliveries to be completed efficiently without pressuring riders.
However, gig worker unions and labour activists contested this claim, arguing that marketing campaigns and customer expectations created indirect pressure on delivery partners. They maintained that even if formal policies did not mandate a strict time limit, the competitive nature of the platform ecosystem compelled workers to rush in order to meet perceived performance standards and maintain earnings.
The Labour Ministry’s involvement has brought the issue into sharper focus, raising broader questions about the regulation of gig economy platforms in India. Policymakers have increasingly emphasised the need to balance innovation and consumer convenience with worker safety and fair labour practices. The ministry has been examining mechanisms to extend social security benefits, accident insurance, and clearer guidelines on working conditions for gig and platform workers.
Blinkit’s decision to withdraw the 10-minute delivery service is being viewed as a response to these concerns, though the company has not yet issued a detailed public statement outlining the reasons or future delivery timelines. Industry experts note that the move could prompt other quick-commerce platforms to reassess their delivery models and marketing strategies.
The episode underscores the growing influence of gig workers in shaping policy discussions and platform practices. As the quick-commerce sector continues to expand, regulatory scrutiny is expected to increase, particularly on issues related to worker welfare, road safety, and sustainable business operations.
For now, Blinkit’s step marks a pause in the race for ultra-fast deliveries and signals a potential shift towards more balanced delivery commitments that prioritise safety alongside efficiency.
