Amazon India expands ‘Project Ashray’ to Bengaluru

Amazon India has announced the expansion of Project Ashray to Bengaluru, marking a significant step towards improving the well-being of its delivery associates. Two new rest centres have been established within the city, with one already operational in Electronic City and the other inaugurated in Cox Town. The Cox Town facility was inaugurated by G. Manjunath, Additional Labour Commissioner, Department of Labour, Government of Karnataka.

Speaking on the expansion, Karuna Shankar Pande, Vice President of Amazon Logistics, India, stated, “The rest points will serve as a vital resource, offering drivers a safe place to rest and recharge during their busy schedules, while also fostering a sense of community and ensuring they have access to the support they need on the road.”

Delivery colleagues' needs are the focus of the new centers' particular design. During delivery breaks, they provide associates with mobile charging stations, clean drinking water, comfy seats, and restrooms so they can relax and refuel. Delivery workers from different firms will have access to the facilities, which can hold up to 12 people at once and run from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Under Project Ashray, Amazon India is aggressively investigating a public-private partnership (PPP) model to build more rest centres in line with its overarching objective of assisting delivery workers. These facilities will provide certain amenities, such as first aid services, internet access, drinking water, mobile charging stations, shaded spaces to protect drivers from the weather, guarded restrooms for female drivers, and discounted charging.

Amazon has also introduced a range of additional welfare programmes. Recent initiatives include ambulance services for delivery associates and a six-month health and wellness programme. Furthermore, the 'Sushruta' initiative focuses on the health of truck drivers, while the 'Pratidhi' scholarship programme supports the education of delivery associates' children.