Zomato and Blinkit Smash NYE Records with 7.5 Million

By NRI Globe News Desk | January 3, 2026

New Delhi: As millions of Indians across the globe welcomed 2026 with celebrations, food delivery major Zomato and its quick-commerce arm Blinkit delivered a staggering over 7.5 million (75 lakh) orders on New Year's Eve (December 31, 2025), serving more than 6.3 million unique customers via over 450,000 delivery partners. This marked an all-time high for the platforms, achieved despite a nationwide strike call by gig workers' unions.

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal announced the milestone on social media, stating that operations remained "largely unaffected" by the strike calls. He noted that the record surge occurred without any special extra incentives beyond the standard higher payouts offered on festive days like NYE. Goyal thanked delivery partners who "showed up despite intimidation" and local law enforcement for ensuring smooth operations.

Defending the gig model, Goyal described it as "one of India’s largest organised job creation engines," with average earnings around higher levels compared to many entry-level jobs. He argued that massive voluntary participation on a peak day like NYE demonstrates the system's fairness.

Strike Sees Limited Impact Amid Festive Incentives

The strike, called by unions including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), followed a similar action on Christmas Day. Key demands included:

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  • Minimum monthly earnings of ₹40,000
  • Comprehensive insurance and social security
  • Transparent algorithms and safer working conditions
  • Scrapping of ultra-fast (10-minute) delivery models due to safety risks

Unions claimed significant participation, but platforms reported negligible disruptions. Competitors like Swiggy also logged record volumes, with industry sources attributing high partner turnout to peak-hour incentives of ₹120-150 per order and potential daily earnings up to ₹3,000–4,000.

10-Minute Delivery Debate in Spotlight

Goyal addressed ongoing criticism of Blinkit's 10-minute grocery deliveries, clarifying it is "network-driven" rather than forcing rushed rides. He explained: Orders are packed in ~2.5 minutes, with riders covering <2 km in ~8 minutes at safe speeds of ~15 kmph. No countdown timers or delay penalties are imposed on partners.

Public voices, including comedian Kunal Kamra and others, have pushed for greater transparency on hourly wages and worker protections.

Implications for NRIs and India's Growing Gig Economy

For the global Indian diaspora, platforms like Zomato and Blinkit have become essential for staying connected to home—whether ordering familiar meals during festivals abroad or sending gifts via quick commerce. The NYE surge underscores the reliability Indians worldwide have come to expect, even amid domestic labor debates.

With India's gig workforce at over 12.7 million (projected to hit 23.5 million by 2030 per NITI Aayog), these events highlight evolving dynamics: immense job creation alongside calls for better safeguards.

As NRIs continue to drive demand through remittances and cultural ties, the balance between innovation, convenience, and fair labor remains key to India's digital economy story.

NRI Globe will keep monitoring updates on gig worker rights and platform developments impacting the diaspora.

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