Zomato founder and chief executive officer Deepinder Goyal has strongly defended the company’s gig-based delivery model, citing rising earnings, flexible work options and welfare measures for delivery partners amid growing political and public scrutiny of the sector.
In a detailed post on X, Goyal outlined how Zomato’s delivery ecosystem functions and why it continues to remain a sustainable source of livelihood for millions. He said that in 2025, Zomato delivery partners earned an average of ₹102 per hour, excluding tips, compared with ₹92 per hour in 2024, reflecting a 10.9% year-on-year increase.
According to Goyal, delivery partners working longer shifts around 10 hours a day for 26 days a month can earn gross monthly income of approximately ₹26,500. After accounting for fuel and maintenance expenses, net earnings are estimated at about ₹21,000. Partners also retain 100% of customer tips, which averaged ₹2.6 per hour in 2025.
Goyal emphasised that the earnings data reflects total logged-in time, including waiting periods, providing a more realistic picture rather than focusing only on peak “busy hours.” He also addressed concerns around Zomato’s 10-minute delivery service, stating that delivery timelines are algorithm-driven and do not require riders to rush or compromise safety.
The Zomato CEO reshared comments by former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, who highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s gig economy from 7.7 million jobs currently to an estimated 23.5 million by 2030. Kant’s remarks came in response to criticism from political leaders who have labelled gig work as exploitative.
Warning against politicisation of the sector, Goyal said excessive regulation could slow quick commerce growth, eliminate flexible employment opportunities and push workers into unsafe informal jobs. He added that gig and quick-commerce platforms have emerged as some of India’s largest job creators, offering income flexibility to students, migrants and part-time workers across the country.
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