Amid rising demand for faster deliveries, Amazon has announced major plans to expand its quick commerce operations across India while introducing new welfare initiatives for delivery associates.
The company revealed that its Amazon Now service, which currently serves more than 50 million customers across 15 cities including Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Kochi and Amritsar, will be expanded to over 300 cities in the coming years.
Amazon Now offers ultra-fast deliveries, allowing customers to receive products within minutes or a few hours, depending on product availability and location. To support this growth, the company plans to strengthen its network of micro-fulfilment centres and urban fulfilment facilities.
As part of the expansion, Amazon aims to make more than 1 million products available for same-day delivery, while over 4 million products will be accessible through next-day delivery options. The platform currently offers groceries, fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, personal care products, beauty items, fashion accessories, home and kitchen products, and small appliances, with plans to further broaden its catalogue.
Speaking on the development, Samir Kumar, Country Manager, Amazon India, said, “Amazon Now is the fastest-growing ecommerce business unit in Amazon India’s history with orders having doubled every quarter since launch. We are seeing a great response from customers, especially Prime members, who triple their shopping frequency once they start using Amazon Now.”
Alongside the quick commerce expansion, Amazon has launched Sammaan, a welfare programme dedicated to supporting delivery associates across its logistics network. The initiative will be partly funded through the company’s recently announced $300 million (approximately Rs. 2,836 crore) investment focused on operations and employee well-being in India.
Under the programme, Amazon will provide scholarships for delivery associates’ children, improve access to government welfare schemes, promote financial inclusion, offer enhanced insurance coverage, and introduce stronger road safety measures.
The company also plans to expand its Ashray rest centres to 250 locations across India by the end of the year. These centres provide delivery personnel with drinking water, charging points, seating areas, washrooms, and dedicated rest spaces.
The announcement comes during Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s visit to India, where he is meeting employees, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.