Restaurant Closures in Hyderabad Push Gig Workers and Delivery Boys into Crisis
Restaurant closures in Hyderabad push gig workers and delivery boys into crisis as fewer orders, rising petrol prices, and long waiting times reduce their daily income.

Hyderabad: The closure of several restaurants in Hyderabad has created serious problems for gig workers and food delivery boys, leaving thousands worried about their livelihood. Delivery workers associated with platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto say that fewer operating restaurants are reducing their orders and daily income.
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According to information compiled by Munsif News 24×7, the restaurant closures in Hyderabad affecting gig workers are forcing delivery riders to travel longer distances for orders while facing rising fuel costs.
Thousands of Delivery Workers Affected
The Hyderabad restaurant closures crisis for gig workers has impacted thousands of young delivery riders working for online food delivery platforms.
Many workers reported that:
- Fewer restaurants mean fewer available orders
- Delivery riders must travel long distances to pick up orders
- Waiting time at food hubs has increased significantly
As a result, their daily earnings have dropped sharply, making it difficult to sustain their families.
Rising Petrol Prices Reduce Income
Apart from the restaurant closures in Hyderabad, delivery workers are also struggling with continuous increases in petrol prices.
Delivery riders say:
- A large portion of their daily income is spent on fuel costs
- Delivery companies have not increased per-order payments
- After fuel expenses, very little income remains
Many gig workers say the job is becoming financially unsustainable.
Small and Medium Restaurants Shutting Down
One major reason behind the gig worker crisis in Hyderabad is the closure of many small and medium-sized restaurants.
Restaurant owners say they are struggling due to:
- High electricity bills
- Rising rents
- Increasing operational costs
Because of these expenses, several restaurants have been forced to shut down operations, reducing available orders for delivery riders.
Long Waiting Time for Orders
Due to the decline in the number of restaurants in Hyderabad, most delivery workers now gather at a few remaining food hubs.
Workers say:
- Riders sometimes wait for hours for a single order
- No additional compensation is given for waiting time
- Fuel and time are wasted during long waiting periods
This situation has further worsened the financial condition of gig workers.
Gig Workers Union Demands Support
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union has urged the government and delivery companies to address the crisis affecting gig workers in Hyderabad.
The union has demanded:
- Increase in delivery charges in proportion to rising petrol prices
- Minimum daily wage protection for gig workers
- Health insurance and accident coverage for delivery riders
Experts Warn Delivery System May Be Affected
Economic experts say the restaurant closures in Hyderabad affecting gig workers could impact the entire food delivery ecosystem in the city.
If the issues faced by delivery workers are not addressed, the Hyderabad food delivery system may face disruptions, as many workers may leave the profession due to declining income.
The ongoing restaurant closures in Hyderabad pushing gig workers into financial crisis highlight the urgent need for policy support and better working conditions for thousands of delivery riders.
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