As you relish a piping hot pizza or unpack freshly delivered groceries, have you ever paused to think about the person who made it possible? While one waits after placing an order with just a few taps on the phone, a delivery rider navigates chaotic traffic, racing against time to ensure meals or essentials arrive on schedule. As the appetite for convenience grows, so does the demand for ultra-fast delivery. Companies promising groceries within 10-15 minutes or meals at lightning speed rely heavily on delivery personnel. ‘The Hitavada’ spoke to several delivery riders in the city to understand their experiences. Tejas, a food delivery rider, recalled how long-distance orders initially felt daunting. “The city has so many internal lanes that are poorly lit.

 

When I first started, I felt hesitant going for late-night deliveries in such areas. But now, I feel like the whole city is mine, and I know every lane,” he admitted. Nagpur’s scorching summers, unpredictable rains, and winter nights add a layer of difficulty. “In peak summer, the heat is unbearable. During monsoons, the roads get waterlogged and slippery. However, gradually we get trained to deliver in any situation,” said Sameer, a grocery delivery rider. An area store manager of a grocery delivery company explained, “We provide raincoats and jackets and regularly advise delivery personnel to take precautions. However, it is ultimately up to them to follow these guidelines as we cannot monitor every individual on the road.” Food delivery typically has a longer timeline, with orders taking 30-45 minutes, as preparation time at restaurants is factored in.

 

Riders pick up food from one eatery and deliver it to a customer before moving on to the next order. Grocery delivery, on the other hand, operates on a different model. With a promise of 10-15 minute deliveries, riders pick up items directly from a hub and immediately head to the customer’s location. “While the company does not put undue pressure on us, the promise of quick delivery needs to be upheld because we represent the brand. Customers judge the company based on our performance,” said Ronak, a grocery delivery rider. The pressure to deliver swiftly sometimes leads to risky behaviour. One food delivery rider confessed, “I have skipped traffic signals a few times because customers called, asking why their order was delayed. If we take too long, there is a risk of receiving bad reviews.” This behaviour has not gone unnoticed by citizens. Prakhar Jha, a regular customer, observed, “Many delivery riders jump traffic signals, putting themselves and other commuters at risk. Companies should emphasise traffic safety, and customers need to be more understanding about delays.”

 

Customer behaviour indeed plays a role in shaping a delivery rider’s day. “When customers appreciate efforts, understand delays, or offer water, it makes the work feel worthwhile. It shows that people can be empathetic,” shared Vinayak, a delivery rider. However, there are also challenging interactions. Special demands, like asking for change for large notes or requesting discreet deliveries, often add pressure to an already tight schedule. Despite their hard work, many delivery personnel feel undervalued. “Fuel prices are high. We deserve higher rates per kilometre,” said Shyam, who has been in the profession for two years. The city still lacks female delivery riders. An area store manager remarked, “Unlike larger cities, the trend has not picked up in Nagpur. Companies need to encourage women in semi-urban areas to consider this field and create awareness that this job is not something to feel awkward about.” Delivery riders are in a way a catalyst of modern convenience-driven lifestyle. As they continue to race against time, their stories remind us of the importance of empathy, whether it is offering a kind word or understanding delays.