10-minute delivery promise fades for consumers, riders see no change

Delivery partners say there has been little change on the ground, with quick-commerce (qcom) operations continuing largely as before, even as platforms remove the promise of “10-minute delivery” from their consumer-facing apps. Companies, riders say, have not communicated any revisions to delivery timelines or work expectations.

- UDISHA SRIVASTAV

Delivery partners working across multiple qcom platforms told Business Standard that they have received no formal communication from their employers and that delivery timelines, incentive structures, and rider-facing apps remain unchanged.

Rakesh, a Noida-based delivery rider working with Swiggy Instamart, said reports about the end of 10-minute delivery have not translated into changes in his day-to-day work. “I saw in the news that the 10-minute delivery service is ending, but the company has not said anything about it. Orders are coming as usual, and no changes in delivery timelines have been made so far,” he said.

Similarly, a delivery rider handling grocery and Cafe orders for Zepto said the company has not communicated any changes related to delivery schedules on its rider app. Worker groups say this disconnect between public messaging and operational practice remains a concern.

The Karnataka App-based Workers Union said while the removal of advertisements featuring "10-minute de livery" is a positive step, delivery workers have yet to see any meaningful impact.