Swiggy’s riders in ‘cool jackets’? What’s really going on amid summer heatwave

Swiggy, India’s early on-demand convenience platform, has introduced specialised cooling vests for its delivery partners as temperatures climb this summer. The move is aimed at helping riders cope with intense heat while making deliveries across several cities. These lightweight jackets are built to regulate body temperature without any external power, offering some relief to those working long hours on the road in extreme conditions.

The jacket works on a passive cooling system and is designed as a low-cost, antimicrobial technical solution. It uses evaporative cooling principles, where the fabric is soaked in water and gradually releases moisture. This process pulls heat away from the body, leading to a drop in temperature by around 6–7°C. Each soak can keep the effect going for about three to four hours.

The design is meant for hot and dry conditions, especially where temperatures cross 40°C. Swiggy says the jackets are durable enough to last up to two summer seasons. They come in a unisex format, with adjustable features and three size options so that delivery partners can find a proper fit.


The rollout comes at a time when heat conditions are expected to worsen. According to projections by CRAVIS, an AI-driven climate intelligence platform developed by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), India could face an additional 15 to 40 unusually hot days every year over the next two decades. This estimate is based on a comparison with the 1981–2010 climate baseline.

The initiative is shaped around the daily challenges delivery partners face. The focus is on simple and practical fixes that can help in real working conditions. The vests are designed to be easy to use and comfortable during long hours outside.

Swiggy has rolled out these jackets in collaboration with Shell Foundation under its SPACES programme, which stands for Scaling Passive Affordable Cooling for Environmental Sustainability.

The reaction on social media has been largely positive so far. Many users have described the move as timely and thoughtful, especially given the harsh weather conditions delivery workers deal with.

Feedback from the ground also points in a similar direction. Restaurant partners and cloud kitchens have noticed a visible difference during the hottest parts of the day. As more riders begin using the vests, the rollout reflects Swiggy’s ongoing push to support the health and well-being of its delivery partners through practical steps that directly impact their daily work.