Zomato delivery partner earnings rose by 10.9% in 2025, founder Deepinder Goyal said on Friday, strongly defending the flexibility of the gig economy amid growing criticism.
Zomato delivery partner earnings averaged ₹102 per hour in 2025, up from ₹92 in 2024, excluding tips. Goyal shared the figures on X after a section of gig workers called for a strike. He said the data reflects steady income growth for delivery partners.
According to Goyal, a delivery partner working 10 hours a day for 26 days can earn around ₹26,500 per month. After fuel and maintenance costs, net income comes to nearly ₹21,000. Importantly, these earnings include waiting time, not just active deliveries.
However, Goyal stressed that the gig model prioritises flexibility. In 2025, the average partner worked only 38 days in the year, with just 2.3% logging over 250 days. Therefore, he argued that demands for fixed salaries or PF do not align with the model’s purpose.
Meanwhile, addressing safety concerns, Goyal clarified that 10-minute delivery promises do not push riders to speed. Delivery times depend on store proximity, not road speed.
Additionally, Zomato and Blinkit spent over ₹100 crore on partner insurance in 2025. Benefits include accident cover, medical insurance, pension enrolment and rest days for women.
Investor Sanjeev Bikhchandani publicly backed Goyal, indirectly criticising claims of exploitation made by AAP MP Raghav Chadha.
