Is 10-minute Delivery Overworking Gig Workers? Here’s What Startups Need to Know

The convenience of getting groceries, meals, and even medicines at your doorstep within minutes comes at a hidden cost—not just to the delivery platforms, but more so to the gig workers powering India’s quick commerce boom.

A new survey by Borzo, a global intra-city delivery service, sheds light on the rising pressure gig delivery riders face amidst the growing 15-minute delivery trend. Based on insights from over 10,900 gig workers across 20+ cities, the findings offer an eye-opening look at what’s really happening behind those "delivered in 15 mins" notifications.

The 10-minute Delivery Race

While consumers increasingly demand ultra-fast service, the Borzo report reveals a clear divide in delivery riders' experiences between 15-minute and 60-minute deliveries. Surprisingly, 34.1% of riders find 15-minute deliveries physically demanding, while 26.7% say the same about 60-minute ones. The kicker? Nearly 28% feel both are equally taxing—challenging the narrative that longer timelines always mean easier work.

What's more telling is the mental stress involved. Over 57% of riders experience stress during 15-minute deliveries, compared to just 42.7% during 60-minute slots. The compressed timelines are making riders feel rushed, unsafe, and exhausted—with many admitting to engaging in unsafe driving to meet unrealistic expectations.

Unsafe Roads, Stressed Riders

With 80.6% of gig workers believing that 60-minute deliveries promote safer driving, the data makes it clear: speed often compromises safety. Riders report pushing their limits—riding faster, skipping breaks, and navigating chaotic traffic—all in a bid to beat the clock. Over 32% of workers admit to feeling a heightened sense of urgency during 15-minute deliveries.

This isn’t just a safety issue; it’s a systemic flaw in how quick commerce is being incentivized. The pressure trickles down from consumer demand to platform policy, with riders bearing the brunt of this "instant delivery" economy.

Which Timeline Pays Better? It Depends.

The debate isn’t just about stress—it’s about sustainability and earnings. While 56.5% of riders feel that 60-minute deliveries are more profitable, owing to reduced urgency and better planning, 43.5% believe that the 15-minute model helps them maximize earnings by completing more deliveries in a shorter window.

Clearly, profitability isn't just a number game—it depends on the city, distance, traffic, and the gig worker’s strategy. For instance, riders benefit from shorter routes and smaller parcels during 15-minute deliveries, but only if the conditions align. Otherwise, it's a race against time with limited upside.

Public Transport: A New Frontier?

With cities expanding their metro and bus networks, the idea of using public transport for deliveries is gaining ground. Around 50.6% of riders said they are open to this option—highlighting potential for reducing costs and congestion. In fact, 31.2% of riders associate public transport with a less stressful delivery experience, while 28.8% say it helps cut down on petrol and EV rental expenses.

However, challenges like last-mile connectivity, parcel security, and transit time remain key hurdles in making this shift mainstream.

What Needs to Change in Quick Delivery Space?

Borzo CEO Alina Kisina makes a compelling point, "It’s about finding the right balance between delivering quickly and ensuring riders can perform their jobs safely and efficiently." As India’s gig economy surges towards a projected 23.5 million workers by 2030, driven by startups and platform businesses, the focus must shift from speed to sustainable service.

The government has already taken some steps—like e-Shram registrations and health coverage in the 2025 Union Budget—but more robust frameworks are needed to ensure that gig workers aren’t just recognized, but also protected.

The Borzo report doesn’t just expose the cracks in India’s gig economy—it holds up a mirror to the unsustainable velocity of modern-day convenience. As startups and delivery platforms race to offer 10-minute deliveries, the question we must ask is: at what cost?

If consumers want speed, platforms need to offer support systems, smarter routing, rider insurance, and mental health checks. Because in the rush to deliver fast, we can’t afford to forget the humans making it happen.