Telangana lockdown: Swiggy, Zomato told to deploy only 30% delivery fleet

Bengaluru: Food delivery companies operating in Telangana have been directed to employ 30% of their fleet as long as the Covid-19 lockdown is in force, industry sources said on Monday.

Several states have imposed stay-at-home restrictions since the beginning of May to control the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. Essential services, which includes food and grocery deliveries, are allowed but confusion persists over working hours and number of personnel deployed.

In the case of Telangana, the government order states that e-commerce delivery of goods and merchandise including food, pharmaceutical and medical equipment be allowed in the state throughout the day. But on Saturday, the Hyderabad police questioned Zomato and Swiggy delivery partners, and confiscated their phones and vehicles.


"Penalties were imposed on executives because they failed to complete delivery. But they were later reversed," said a source close to the development, requesting anonymity.

Both Swiggy and Zomato declined to comment on Saturday's incidents.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, a meeting was held the same day between state government authorities and food delivery companies. "The authorities present at the meeting clarified that companies will be allowed to operate only 30% of their fleet at one time henceforth," said the source cited above. "They said that only a limited percentage of delivery personnel should be deployed. They are very concerned about the spread of the pandemic," said another source.

"Held a review meeting with three commissioners of police, regd the several requests flagged with 'disruption of essential services including food deliveries etc, while tightening of lockdown today.' Directed to ensure a seamless supply ahead, while executing strict lockdown," M Mahinder Reddy, Director General of Police, Telangana State, tweeted.


Queries sent to Reddy remained unanswered as of press time.

"Based on our most recent discussion with the authorities, we will be operational through the day," said a Zomato spokesperson.

"We're operational with limited options for food and other essential deliveries based on local directives," said a Swiggy spokesperson.