Telangana and Amazon India Partner to Create Rest Facilities for Gig Workers

Hyderabad's government and Amazon India have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding to roll out Project Ashray Gig Workers, a scheme designed to create five climate-controlled rest facilities for delivery personnel and other gig workers at strategic points throughout the city.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized that Telangana recognizes the significant role gig workers play in sustaining the economy. He described the Ashray Centres as spaces where workers can take breaks, recover, and refresh themselves while on duty. The Chief Minister noted that the initiative would help position Hyderabad as a city that prioritizes worker welfare, and praised Amazon India for contributing through its corporate social responsibility efforts.

The five rest stops will be situated in Kondapur, Tellapur, Patancheru, Bharathi Nagar, and Chandanagar, all within the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation jurisdiction. Amazon India will bear all costs related to constructing and maintaining these facilities. The centres will operate at no cost to workers from any delivery platform and will feature air-conditioning, potable water, seating arrangements, charging stations for mobile devices, complimentary internet access, and sanitary facilities.

The MoU was executed in the presence of Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Cyberabad Municipal Commissioner Dr G. Srijana, and the Zonal Commissioner of Serilingampally.

Mohammad Rafi, a delivery driver, expressed his support for the scheme, noting that such facilities would address critical gaps during extended work shifts, particularly regarding access to clean water, rest spaces, and device charging options.

Jayesh Ranjan underscored how the collaboration demonstrates the value of joint efforts between government and private entities in enhancing urban infrastructure and worker conditions. Salim Memon, Amazon India's Director of Operations, stated that the partnership reflects the company's dedication to ensuring delivery workers have secure and pleasant spaces for rest.