Restaurant India News: Zomato Launches Multi-City Road Safety Initiative for Delivery Partners

Zomato has launched a multi-city road safety initiative focused on on-ground execution rather than awareness-led campaigns. The program includes mandatory responsible driving training for delivery partners and the distribution of more than 2,000 BIS-certified helmets, reinforcing the company’s operational focus on workforce safety within India’s food delivery ecosystem.

The first phase of the initiative was conducted in Delhi in collaboration with the Delhi Traffic Police and included a bike rally aimed at reinforcing responsible riding practices. The broader rollout is structured around hands-on training sessions delivered by traffic police and certified professionals, with the objective of improving real-world riding behaviour among delivery partners.

Aditya Mangla, CEO, Zomato, said, “Delivery partners are the backbone of our business and their safety and wellbeing is and continues to be a top priority. Through this initiative, we aim to empower delivery partners with the knowledge and practical skills around road safety, enabling them to make better decisions and respond effectively in critical situations.”

Under the program, delivery partners undergo 90–120 minutes of professional training focused on navigating high-density urban traffic, maintaining safe following distances, and identifying potential road risks. The curriculum also includes guidance on the ‘Golden Hour’ protocol, which refers to the first hour following an accident or medical emergency when timely intervention can significantly impact outcomes. Participants are trained in basic first-aid and emergency response techniques to assist themselves or others during this critical window.

In cities such as Chandigarh, Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune, the training sessions are being conducted at Traffic Training Parks, allowing delivery partners to experience simulated road hazards in a controlled environment. The program also covers helmet safety, including maintenance practices, the importance of BIS-certified chin straps, helmet lifespan, and compliance with traffic regulations and penalties.

Beyond training, Zomato has embedded safety measures into its daily delivery operations. Safety briefings are mandatory before delivery partners begin work, with a focus on helmet usage, road discipline, and responsible riding. Each working day begins with a safety pledge highlighting individual responsibility toward personal and public safety.

While on active duty, delivery partners receive real-time weather alerts and precautionary notifications through the Zomato delivery partner app. The platform also provides access to a 24×7 in-app SOS feature to enable quick ambulance support during emergencies. In addition, all delivery partners are covered under comprehensive insurance.

The initiative reflects a growing emphasis among food delivery platforms on operational safety as a core business priority, particularly as scale, delivery density, and regulatory scrutiny increase across urban markets.