Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Kerala Cracks Down On Quick Commerce Apps
The Kerala government is taking action against quick-commerce apps like Blinkit and Swiggy because their delivery riders are driving dangerously.
The riders are speeding and breaking traffic rules to deliver orders quickly.
The government has given these companies two weeks to make their delivery practices safer.
If they don't, the companies could face legal action.
Meanwhile, delivery workers across India are planning to go on strike on December 25 and 31, 2025, to protest their working conditions.
They want better pay, safer working conditions, and social protections.
The strike is expected to impact delivery services in many cities.
Kerala's Motor Vehicles Department has issued notices to quick-commerce platforms for unsafe delivery practices.
Companies have two weeks to align their delivery algorithms and policies with the Motor Vehicles Act.
Delivery riders are accused of reckless driving, ignoring signals, and not wearing helmets.
The government warns of legal action if companies fail to comply with safety measures.
Delivery workers across India plan to strike on December 25 and 31, 2025, to protest working conditions, including wages, safety, and social protection.
- Who
- Kerala Motor Vehicles Department, quick-commerce platforms (Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto, BigBasket), delivery workers, and unions (Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union)
- What
- Crackdown on quick-commerce apps for unsafe delivery practices and an all-India strike by delivery workers
- When
- Within two weeks for compliance, strike on December 25 and 31, 2025
- Where
- Kerala, India (Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram) and across multiple cities for the strike
- Why
- To address reckless driving and traffic violations by delivery personnel and to protest deteriorating working conditions, including wages, safety, job security, and social protection
Government and Safety Advocates
Quick-Commerce Companies and Delivery Workers
Safety vs. Efficiency
Government and Safety Advocates
The government emphasizes the need for safer road conditions and compliance with traffic laws to protect both delivery workers and the public.
Quick-Commerce Companies and Delivery Workers
Quick-commerce companies argue that strict delivery deadlines are necessary to meet customer expectations and maintain competitive service.
Working Conditions
Government and Safety Advocates
The government and unions highlight the unsafe working conditions, long hours, and lack of social protections for delivery workers.
Quick-Commerce Companies and Delivery Workers
Companies may argue that they provide flexible employment opportunities and that the current model benefits both workers and customers.
- Companies Involved
- Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto, BigBasket
- Delivery Deadlines
- 7 to 20 minutes
- Timeframe for Compliance
- Two weeks
- Areas of Inspection
- Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram
- Key Issues
- Rash driving, no helmets, ignoring signals
- Strike Dates
- December 25 and 31, 2025
- Unions Involved
- Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union
- Worker Demands
- Transparent pay, safety gear, accident insurance, social security, fair work allocation
