Project Ashray: Amazon India and Telangana Partner To Build Rest Stops for Gig Workers; Here's Why
The Telangana government and Amazon India have launched 'Project Ashray', providing five free, air-conditioned rest stops for gig workers in Hyderabad. Located in key areas, these cabins offer Wi-Fi, charging, and water. This CSR initiative aims to improve working conditions for delivery partners and is part of a larger plan to establish 250 such centres nationwide.
The Telangana government, in collaboration with Amazon India, has launched a new initiative to provide essential infrastructure for the city's gig workforce. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, July 13, will see the establishment of five dedicated rest stop cabins in high-footfall areas across Hyderabad.
Enhancing Working Conditions for Delivery Partners
The initiative, titled "Project Ashray", is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort aimed at improving the daily working environment of gig workers. The air-conditioned rest stops will be located at Kondapur, Tellapur, Patancheru, Bharathi Nagar, and Chandanagar, all falling under the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) limits. Amazon Layoffs Leave Former Employees Navigating a Tough Tech Job Market: Report.
These facilities are designed to address the challenges faced by delivery drivers, including exposure to extreme weather and the lack of accessible amenities. Each cabin will be equipped with essential services, including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, drinking water, lockers, and clean washroom facilities. The centres will also incorporate waste management systems and will be powered by solar energy.
A ‘Humane’ Approach to Urban Infrastructure
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy praised the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of supporting the workers who sustain the modern digital economy. "Telangana deeply respects hard work, and those who, with their efforts, power society and economy," the Chief Minister said. "Hyderabad will be a better, more humane city with the establishment of Ashray centres," he added. For gig workers like Mohammad Rafi, a delivery driver, the impact of these centres is expected to be immediate. "During our delivery routes, the heat takes a toll, our phones die, and finding a place to rest or recharge feels impossible. These rest stops will change this completely," Rafi noted, highlighting how the ability to access water, restrooms, and charging ports without losing work time will drastically improve his daily routine. Amazon India To Invest Over INR 2,800 Crore To Boost Logistics and Quick Commerce Operations in Country.
Scaling for the Future
The entire cost of establishing and maintaining these rest stops will be borne by Amazon India, with the facilities remaining free of charge for gig workers across all platforms, not just those delivering for Amazon. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, described the project as a "practical, scalable model" for resilient urban development. Salim Memon, Director of Operations at Amazon India, added that the company remains committed to the well-being of the last-mile delivery workforce, noting that the Hyderabad launch is part of a broader national plan to scale the Ashray network to 250 centres across India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2026 08:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
