Quick Commerce Firms Under Stress As Heavy Rains Disrupt Deliveries Across Northern India
The report found that restaurants in Delhi-NCR saw a plunge in their daily business, with some places logging a slump in footfalls by about 50 per cent over the weekend
Extreme weather conditions in the northern part of the country have wreaked havoc on daily operations and roads in the region. Waterlogging in these areas has resulted in major disruptions for quick commerce and food delivery firms.
According to a report by The Economic Times, the heavy rains have resulted in mass order cancellations and disruption in delivery for these companies. Even restaurants and entertainment places stated that their business has felt the impact of the difficult weather. The report noted that the foot traffic for these places has taken a hit, specifically in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
The report found that restaurants saw a plunge in their daily business, with some places logging a slump in footfalls by about 50 per cent over the weekend. The national capital saw a 50 per cent rise in dine-in cancellations in the last four days as waterlogged roads prevented easy movement of traffic.
Further, fresh supply in the market remains hindered due to roadblocks placed across the city owing to the monsoon season and this has resulted in the delivery riders finding it difficult to complete their orders.
Social media is flooded with videos and photos from the public showing how cities in regions such as Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, and even Maharashtra are witnessing major traffic jams and waterlogging. These situations have made it difficult for citizens to move around, eventually impacting the business for food joints and restaurants in the areas. Even delivery of daily essentials has become strenous even as delivery platforms levy surge charges on the customers.
The report cited a spokesperson from Swiggy and said that the company is trying to prioritise the safety of their delivery partners. “During rains, the rain hardship allowance increases with increasing intensity and even after,” the spokesperson told ET.