In today’s fast-paced world, Food delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato have become a crucial part of our daily lives. Whether it’s a late-night craving or a lazy afternoon, we rely on delivery boys to bring us food at our doorstep. But have you ever stopped to think about the life of the person behind the helmet and the bike, the one who navigates the busy streets, often facing the elements and the clock?
The Early Morning Grind
For many delivery boys, the day begins early. By 9 AM, they’re already gearing up for their shift. A quick breakfast, followed by checking the bike’s condition—air pressure in the tires, brakes working well, oil check—and it’s time to hit the road. In most cases, the bikes are their personal property, so ensuring the vehicle is in good condition is crucial.
“Most of us wake up before the sun comes up, and by 10 AM, we’re already out on the road,” says Ravi, a Swiggy delivery executive. “If you don’t start early, you miss out on orders, and that means less money.”
The app sends them notifications about available delivery slots. With the advent of technology, they can check the demand in real-time and start planning their routes accordingly.
Navigating the City Jungle
Once out on the road, the real challenge begins. These delivery boys are more than just food couriers—they are urban navigators, experts in dodging traffic and taking shortcuts. In the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, the traffic can be maddening, especially during peak hours. They weave in and out of lanes, making quick decisions while dodging pedestrians, stray dogs, and sometimes even other delivery bikes.
The routes are never the same. “You can’t predict the traffic. You might be taking a turn and suddenly the road’s blocked. That’s where you need to think on your feet,” explains Ravi.
The work requires a blend of speed and caution. Safety is a top concern—especially with deliveries during monsoons or scorching heat, when roads are slippery or uneven. But the pressure to be fast often outweighs the need to be careful.
The ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Orders
The apps notify them of the orders—either a small snack or a full meal. Each order comes with its own set of challenges. A 5-minute ride to deliver a sandwich to a nearby office is a breeze. But a 15-minute trip through winding alleyways in search of an apartment building with no lift? That’s a different story altogether.
“We have a few regular customers. Some of them even give us a tip or a smile when we deliver. Those days feel rewarding,” says Ravi.
But there are also tough days. Orders that go missing, customers who don’t answer their phones, or apartments with confusing addresses. “I once spent 20 minutes looking for a building in a narrow lane, only for the customer to say they had forgotten to tell me their flat number,” Ravi shares with a laugh, though the frustration is evident in his voice.
It’s these unpredictable situations that make the job both exciting and tiring.
The Social Side of the Job
Although the job often requires them to work alone, delivery boys do find moments of connection. Whether it’s a quick chat with the restaurant staff while picking up the order or the brief exchange with customers, it’s these interactions that break the monotony of the day.
“Some customers really appreciate the hard work. A few will offer water, or even a seat. But some others, you know, won’t even say thank you,” Ravi says.
For Ravi, it’s the appreciation from customers that keeps him going. “Sometimes they’ll say, ‘Thanks for delivering my food so quickly!’ and that makes it all worth it.”
The Reality of Earnings
One of the biggest draws for many of these delivery boys is the promise of flexible working hours. The more hours you put in, the more deliveries you make, and the more money you earn. On average, a delivery boy can make anywhere from ₹500 to ₹1,000 a day, depending on how many orders they complete. But there’s a catch.
The income is variable. Weather conditions, traffic, peak times, and customer tips all impact earnings. “On a bad day, I might only make ₹300 or ₹400, but on a good day, I can cross ₹1,500,” says Ravi. The pay structure is typically performance-based, which means the more orders completed, the higher the earning potential.
However, this lack of consistency is one of the reasons why many delivery boys juggle multiple gig jobs. Many work for other apps like Zomato or even as drivers for ride-sharing services like Uber to supplement their income. The pressure to keep earning more, especially in a city like Delhi or Bangalore with a high cost of living, can be intense.
Balancing Work and Health
The physical toll of constant biking can be taxing. Long hours on the saddle, with little time for rest or food, can lead to back pain, leg cramps, and fatigue. Health is often compromised due to the nature of the job. Delivery boys don’t have fixed lunch breaks, so they often eat on the go.
“I eat whatever is easy to grab—sometimes a sandwich from a roadside vendor or a fruit from the market. There’s no time to sit and enjoy a proper meal,” says Ravi.
This lack of time to take care of themselves often leads to stress, mental fatigue, and even injuries from accidents. In a perfect world, these workers would have medical benefits, insurance, and the time to recuperate, but the gig economy doesn’t always offer such luxuries.
The End of the Day
By the end of the day, delivery boys are exhausted. After hours of cycling through traffic, battling the sun or rain, and managing customer expectations, the app sends one last alert—end of shift.
Some go back to the restaurant to settle their earnings, while others take a break, recharging their bikes for the next day’s grind. The routine is never-ending, with a constant cycle of work and recovery.
The Unsung Heroes of Our Food Delivery System
Despite all the challenges, these delivery boys continue to play a vital role in our lives. They are the unsung heroes of the gig economy, working tirelessly to ensure that our food reaches us when we need it the most. From early mornings to late nights, their work demands hard labor, patience, and resilience.
Their stories are filled with struggles, but they also hold moments of joy—whether it’s a heartfelt “thank you” from a customer or the satisfaction of a successful day’s work. They may not always get the recognition they deserve, but without them, our favorite meals would never make it to our doorsteps.