Amazon India to provide rest points for delivery associates

Amazon India is setting up a network of rest points for delivery associates across major cities such as Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

Launched in partnership with Udyasa Foundation, the initiative — titled Project Ashray -- is part of Amazon’s commitment to support the well-being of delivery associates across the country, says an official release.

The first Ashray centre was inaugurated in Gurugram on August 23 by Michiko Miyamoto, India Country Director, International Labour Organisation, the release added. "Currently, Amazon has plans to initially establish five pilot centres at high-footfall locations across Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai. The Ashray centres will be accessible to the delivery associates across the e-commerce ecosystem."

The Ashray centres will provide essential amenities like washrooms, seating, drinking water, and charging stations. "Each Ashray centre can accommodate 15 people at a time and will be operational throughout the year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The facility's usage will be free and limited to 30 minutes per visit. Parking spaces will also be provided for delivery associates. Amazon will undertake multiple initiatives to create awareness about these rest points among delivery associates. Additionally, the Ashray centre locations will be added to Google Maps for easy access by delivery associates."

Abhinav Singh, Vice President-Operations, Amazon India says: "At Amazon, we are committed to maintaining industry-leading infrastructure and practices to ensure the best on-road experience for our delivery partners. Project Ashray is a significant part of our broader efforts to improve driver experience and well-being. By providing dedicated rest points with essential amenities, we aim to ensure that all delivery associates across the e-commerce ecosystem have the best possible and most comfortable environment while they work.”

Amazon also introduced initiatives like Sushruta, a wide-ranging health and wellness programme, to address the healthcare needs of truck drivers by working with its 350+ trucking partners, the release added. Amazon also offers scholarships to children of driver associates as part of the Pratidhi scholarship programme which was introduced in 2022.