Zomato has rolled out a new initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of its delivery partners with the introduction of the ‘Accelerated Safety Response’ program. This innovative feature, integrated into the Zomato delivery partner app, is designed to automatically detect collisions and trigger an immediate emergency response.
In the event of an accident, the system swiftly alerts Zomato’s central response network, which then dispatches an ambulance directly to the location. This automatic process eliminates the need for manual intervention, significantly speeding up response times and potentially saving lives during critical situations.
Prioritizing Delivery Partner Safety
The launch of this program is part of Zomato’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the well-being of its delivery partners. The company emphasized that this new feature reflects its dedication to improving the safety and support infrastructure for the gig economy workers who form the backbone of its services. By providing immediate assistance in emergencies, Zomato aims to ensure that delivery partners have access to rapid help when they need it most.
Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Zomato’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the company’s broader vision of integrating sustainability and safety into its operations. At the launch, she stated, “Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Zomato’s core business ethos. Through the Accelerated Safety Response system, we aim to provide our delivery partners with immediate support during emergencies.”
Launching at the Sustainability and Inclusivity Conference
The announcement of the Accelerated Safety Response program was made during the second edition of the ‘Sustainability and Inclusivity: Role of the Platform Economy’ Conference. This event, organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Invest India, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), also saw India’s Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, addressing the attendees virtually. During the conference, participants took the ‘Road Safety’ pledge, committing to prioritize road safety for all.
Ongoing Commitment to Delivery Partner Welfare
This new initiative is one of several steps Zomato has taken to improve the welfare of its delivery partners. Previous efforts have included the Shelter Project to provide safe places for delivery partners to rest, real-time weather notifications, assistance with income tax filing, and even electric vehicle (EV) rental services to promote sustainable transport options.
Zomato’s commitment to enhancing delivery partner well-being extends beyond just safety. The company has also rolled out maternity benefits, recognizing the unique challenges faced by its diverse workforce.
Social Media Stir: Overcharging Controversy
However, the company’s latest move comes amidst a social media uproar following an accusation of overcharging at a concert venue. Pallab De, a tech professional from Hyderabad, shared images on social media showing that he paid ₹200 for two water bottles, which are typically priced at ₹10 each. His post quickly went viral, sparking widespread anger and criticism from users. This incident has fueled online debates on pricing transparency, adding to the ongoing conversation about corporate accountability.
While Zomato is focusing on safety and welfare initiatives for its delivery partners, these two contrasting issues—the introduction of life-saving technology and the controversy over pricing—underscore the diverse challenges the company is navigating in the public eye.
As Zomato continues to improve its services, both in terms of safety and customer experience, the company’s new Accelerated Safety Response program marks a significant step in addressing the critical needs of its delivery partners.
