Chennai’s Chill Zone for Delivery Champs

In a pioneering move believed to be the first of its kind in India, the Greater Chennai Corporation has set up two air-conditioned rest lounges exclusively for delivery personnel — a step that is already earning appreciation from gig workers across the city.

Built with a sleek Scandinavian design, each lounge offers seating for up to 25 people and includes essential facilities such as clean drinking water, charging ports for mobile phones, and washrooms. The pilot project, executed at a cost of ₹25 lakh, aims to support the growing gig workforce in Chennai — including food, grocery, and courier delivery agents — who often spend long hours outdoors navigating traffic and weather extremes.

These lounges are already proving to be a game-changer, particularly for women delivery workers.

“We often struggle without a proper place to rest. Earlier, we used to wait outside restaurants. This lounge makes us feel safe, especially during late-night deliveries. I thank the Chief Minister and the Corporation for this thoughtful facility,” said Anupriya, a woman delivery worker.

With Chennai’s scorching summer temperatures often exceeding 40°C, the air-conditioned spaces have come as a welcome relief.

“It’s so hot in Chennai. After a tough ride, we used to rest in parks. Now, this space brings us peace and comfort,” said Kalaiarasan, another delivery agent.

The initiative is currently in its pilot stage, but officials say more such lounges are planned in Chennai and Coimbatore soon, as the government explores ways to improve the working conditions of gig economy workers.

As India’s cities increasingly depend on delivery services, this move by the Chennai Corporation may well set a new benchmark for urban worker welfare across the country.

(This story was written using AI tools and vetted by the TMS team for accuracy.) 

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