In India’s busiest metros—Mumbai and Delhi-NCR—millions of gig workers power our everyday lives. They deliver food, ferry passengers, fix appliances, and manage doorstep logistics. Yet behind this hyper-efficient workforce lies a pressing reality: most gig workers face high safety risks and limited social security, even as they navigate some of the most demanding urban environments in the country.
With the rise of the gig economy, the model of work has changed—but policies, protections, and platforms have not kept up. The time to act is now. This blog explores why gig worker protection in urban India can’t wait, recent government actions, and how our company is actively working to bridge this gap—for both worker welfare and B2B efficiency goals.
The Invisible Backbone of Urban India
Gig workers have become the backbone of urban services, especially in fast-paced regions like Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. Yet, most of them operate without access to formal safety nets—be it health insurance, accident coverage, paid leave, or retirement savings. Every time a rider delivers a late-night order or a technician travels across the city, they are exposed to physical risk and economic uncertainty.
These challenges are even more acute in metropolitan areas, where longer distances, traffic congestion, exposure to harsh weather, and unpredictable hours increase physical and emotional stress.
Gig worker safety Mumbai
Safety Gaps in Mumbai’s Gig Economy
In Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, gig workers face some of the most difficult working conditions. Constant movement, dense traffic, and long travel times raise the probability of road accidents and health issues. Unfortunately, most platform workers operate as “partners,” with no guaranteed health or accident insurance from the platforms they serve.
Several studies have pointed out a lack of basic safety training, little to no emergency support systems, and no centralized reporting mechanisms for incidents. This puts both the worker and the end customer at risk.
Our solution? We’re partnering with stakeholders to create technology-enabled safety alerts, real-time GPS tracking, and on-platform panic buttons to support workers during emergencies. It's not just a moral responsibility—it’s an operational necessity.
Delhi-NCR: A Case for Social Security Reform
The Delhi-NCR region has seen an explosion in gig work opportunities—thanks to booming demand in delivery, mobility, and home services. But with opportunity comes responsibility. Unlike traditional employees, gig workers here are not entitled to social security Delhi gig workers under existing employment laws.
The government has made recent moves, including draft policies under the Code on Social Security 2020, aiming to bring gig and platform workers into the fold. However, real implementation remains a challenge without support from platforms and B2B players.
We believe businesses must move ahead of compliance and actively participate in designing gig worker welfare programs—from health coverage and insurance to digital financial inclusion and skill development.
Why B2B Companies Must Step Up
This isn’t just a worker rights issue—it’s a B2B performance and CSR opportunity. Companies that depend on gig platforms (whether for logistics, customer service, or fulfillment) must ask: Is our delivery system sustainable and ethical?
Providing secure working conditions leads to:
- Higher worker retention
- Lower absenteeism
- Better customer experience
- Stronger brand reputation
Many of our B2B partners now include worker welfare standards in their vendor contracts—treating it as both a compliance benchmark and a performance metric.
Our Initiatives: Safety, Support & Scale
At Marketplace Company, we’re not waiting for policy alone—we’re driving action. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
- Urban Safety Nets: Emergency support hotlines, verified safe zones, and training modules for high-risk zones in Mumbai and Delhi.
- Micro-insurance Integration: Collaborating with fintechs to embed micro-insurance for gig workers into gig work platforms.
- Financial Inclusion: Supporting gig workers with access to savings, loans, and pensions through digital financial tools.
- Tech-Driven Monitoring: Digital worker safety solutions like AI-powered fatigue detection, ride-time capping, and real-time health check-ins.
- Policy Advocacy: Partnering with policymakers to shape gig worker safety guidelines at a national and state level.
Building a More Equitable Gig Future
While urban gig work offers flexibility and income opportunities, it shouldn’t come at the cost of human dignity or basic protections. Corporate responsibility, platform accountability, and worker-centric design must go hand-in-hand to create sustainable impact.
Whether you are a B2B buyer, a platform manager, or a government agency—your role is vital. Investing in gig worker safety and security is not just good ethics—it’s good business.
Final Thoughts
The future of India’s cities depends on the people who keep them moving. Gig workers in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR need more than thanks—they need protection, recognition, and long-term security.
At Marketplace Company, we’re proud to be part of the solution. But we can’t do it alone. Join us in creating a safer, more just gig economy.
Let’s make gig work work—for everyone.