ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Climate Change

India's gig worker army left out to bake in unprecedented heat wave

Millions at risk from soaring temperatures and negligible labor protection

An Indian delivery driver cools down from the heat. A record heatwave in recent months pushed the mercury in the capital, Delhi, up to a record 49.2 degrees Celsius. (Photo by Suhail Bhat)

DELHI -- Indian delivery driver Tejvinder wraps a white cloth around his face and mops up beads of sweat from under his baseball cap before setting off into the scorching Delhi sun.

The 23-year-old doesn't have much protection against the record-breaking heat -- and he doesn't have the luxury of cooling off either. He is on the clock and a customer is waiting for their groceries to arrive in 10 minutes or less, or they may switch to a rival delivery app.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more