As temperatures begin to spike across the country, Amazon India is stepping up efforts to support the people who keep the e-commerce engine running—its delivery partners. The company announced it will expand its network of ‘Ashray’ rest centres to 100 by the end of this year, offering much-needed relief for last-mile delivery workers navigating brutal heat and long hours.
Currently, around 30 Ashray centres are operational across various cities. With forecasts from the India Meteorological Department warning of a hotter-than-usual summer, including intense heatwaves in central and northwestern India, Amazon has just launched 10 new centres in the Delhi-NCR region alone.
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Ashray, meaning ‘shelter’ in Hindi, lives up to its name. These are fully equipped rest spots—air-conditioned seating, clean drinking water, rehydration supplies, mobile charging, washrooms, and basic medical kits—designed for short breaks between deliveries. Each hub can host up to 15 people at a time and is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.
What makes the initiative more inclusive is that it’s not limited to Amazon’s own delivery partners. Anyone working in the delivery or logistics ecosystem—regardless of their employer—is welcome to stop by and recharge, for up to 30 minutes per visit. The centres are strategically located at petrol pumps and rented commercial spaces with easy access and parking.
“These are more than just pit-stops,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations for India and Australia at Amazon. “It’s about making sure that the thousands of people who power this industry have a safe space to cool off, hydrate, and regroup—especially as the heat becomes more punishing.”
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While Amazon currently funds and manages the entire operation, the company has hinted at a future model that invites collaboration from other players in the industry. “This isn’t just about Amazon,” the company noted, “it’s about setting a benchmark for worker welfare across the board.”
In a sector where delivery associates often go unnoticed despite their essential role, Ashray offers a small but important reminder: comfort and care shouldn’t be an afterthought.
