Zomato Founder Takes Dig at Gig Workers’ Strike as Platform Records Highest-Ever New Year’s Eve Deliveries

Despite a nationwide strike call by gig workers' unions, food delivery platforms Zomato and Blinkit logged their highest-ever order volumes on New Year's Eve.

Founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal said the performance reflected continued faith among delivery partners in the platform ecosystem, even amid protests and pressure.

Platforms log historic New Year's Eve numbers

According to Goyal, more than 75 lakh orders were delivered across Zomato and Blinkit on December 31, making it the biggest single-day delivery count in the companies' history. Over 4.5 lakh delivery partners were active during the day, serving more than 63 lakh customers across cities.

He underlined that the milestone was achieved without any additional incentives, countering claims that high volumes were driven by special payouts or bonuses.

"Over 4.5 lakh delivery partners across both platforms delivered more than 75 lakh orders (all-time high) to over 63 lakh customers during the day. This happened without any additional incentives for delivery partners," Goyal said.

Founder questions narrative around unfair systems

Responding directly to criticism of platform-based work models, Goyal argued that sustained participation itself challenges allegations of systemic unfairness.

"One thought for everyone: if a system were fundamentally unfair, it would not consistently attract and retain so many people who choose to work within it. Please don't get swept up by narratives pushed by vested interests," he said.

He also thanked delivery partners who continued working despite what he described as intimidation attempts, saying they chose "honest work and progress."

Gig economy's impact to be seen over time

Goyal described the gig economy as one of India's largest organised job creation mechanisms, stressing that its broader social contribution would become clearer in the coming years.

"When delivery partners' children, supported by stable incomes and education, enter the workforce and help transform our country at scale," he said, pointing to long-term outcomes beyond daily earnings.

Strike call, participation claims and policing support

The comments come days after the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union announced a nationwide strike on December 31, urging gig and app-based workers to log off from all platforms to press for rights, welfare and dignity.

"All gig workers, platform workers, digital platform workers, app-based workers, and online freelancers are earnestly requested to participate in the national strike by shutting down all work-related applications and abstaining from providing services on December 31, 2025," the union said, adding that over 1.7 lakh workers had confirmed participation.

Goyal said cooperation from local law enforcement agencies helped ensure smooth operations, adding that a small number of miscreants were kept in check during the day.