ConsumerIndia's road closures deprive e-retailers of golden opportunity
Amazon, Flipkart and local rivals hampered by inconsistent delivery restrictions
Indian police block a street to allow only people with essential need to travel during a lockdown as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 in Hyderabad, India on March 24. © AP
KEN KOYANAGI, Nikkei Asian Review Editor-at-large
MUMBAI -- Meal deliveries, online grocery shopping, and other e-retail services are emerging as a lifeline for India's people under a nationwide lockdown, but poor communication between policymakers and police is leading to unintentional crackdowns on goods designated as "essential."