Raghav Chadha recently went undercover as a Blinkit delivery man. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP wanted to understand the daily struggles of concert workers.
In a new YouTube video, he says his goal was to make these “invisible” workers visible and hear their issues directly. Chadha clarified that he was not trying to attack any company. He just wanted to learn how riders earn, work and survive.
During his shift, he joined a rider named Shivam and used Shivam’s app and ID to complete orders. Chadha experienced long working hours, night deliveries and constant pressure to meet targets.
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He also observed how little rest riders get and what safety risks they face on the road. Here’s what he found.
Shivam’s workday starts at 7am and often ends at 11pm. This means 15-16 hours of continuous work. Even after work, riders have to cook, clean and wash clothes, so they barely sleep 2-3 hours.
Many riders work all 30 days a month without a single break in the hope of earning enough to survive. Financial reality is far from what is promised.
Shivam joined and waited ₹40,000 up to ₹50,000 per month. However, he earns less than half. Earnings were fair within one hour of work ₹51. On another day, 2 pm brought only ₹1,136, which is under ₹100 per hour.
Riders also pay for petrol, bike hire, repairs and mobile data. One rider earns ₹22,000 per month but takes home under ₹10,000 after expenses. Round trips are unpaid, further reducing revenue.
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The promise of 10-minute delivery has become one of the biggest dangers for delivery people, a YouTube video reveals. Many riders say this rule puts their lives at risk every day.
To avoid penalties, they are forced to speed, jump traffic signals and sometimes drive on the wrong side of the road. Riders describe it as playing with their lives.
Although managers say there is no pressure, the slogan is printed on their uniforms. Supervisors often insist that deliveries must be completed within 10 minutes, regardless of traffic or road conditions.
Several riders have already suffered accidents due to this rush. One rider said he broke his arm and badly injured his leg while trying to meet the time limit.
Even though he was injured and wearing a band-aid, he felt compelled to continue working so as not to lose his income.
“Society ko chahiye apna faida. Bhookha raho, pyasa raho, baarish ho, thand ho, dhoop ho, kuchh bhi ho, usko koi lena dena nahi (Society cares only for its own profit. Whether you are hungry or thirsty, raining, cold or extremely hot.) rider.”
Riders also feel that there is no real support system. There is no human manager to speak to, only automated help lines.
If the phone is stolen or the customer runs away without paying, the rider is often forced to pay. Even small delays can lead to loss of incentives or the threat of termination.
Read also | “Not just offensive…”: Raghav Chadha criticizes delivery platforms’ response
Deliveries say the big platforms offer little real protection. Many argue that there is no proper accident or health insurance.
They are asked for extensive paperwork after crashes, but rarely receive any pay. Riders also say they have to pay for carrier bags, uniforms and rain gear, with costs deducted from their earnings.
Rider attraction
Riders ends with a clear appeal to management and naming Deepinder Goyal. They are demanding safer delivery rules, fair and transparent wages and per kilometer payments that reflect the actual journey.
They also want human support to review customer complaints before imposing penalties.
“We don’t have any problems with any company. We too want companies to grow and do well. I myself do their marketing and at the same time carry their goods,” laughs Raghav Chadha.
“I just want you to have a better life. You’re essential to the economy,” he tells Blinkit riders.
“We just hope the company feels the way you think,” says one.
