"ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND OCCUPATIONAL CHALLENGES OF DELIVERY WORKERS IN NAVI MUMBAI – AN ECONOMIC INVESTIGATION"

Atul Krishna  Ghadge; Ajay Kamlakar  Dixit; Yashwant Harishchandra Ulvekar; Vasundhara Dattaram  Salunkhe; Machindranath Ashok Ghadge; Dinesh Yadavrao Parkhe

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i10s.2026.8173

Authors

Atul Krishna Ghadge Assistant Professor, Business Economics, Janardan Bhagat Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha's Changu Kana Thakur Arts, Commerce and Science College, New Panvel (Empowered Autonomous), Panvel, Maharashtra, India, Pincode: 410206
Ajay Kamlakar Dixit Head & Professor, Business Economics, Janardan Bhagat Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha's Changu Kana Thakur Arts, Commerce and Science College, New Panvel (Empowered Autonomous), Panvel, Maharashtra, India, Pincode: 410206
Yashwant Harishchandra Ulvekar Assistant Professor, Economics, Rayat Shikshan Sansthas Mahatma Phule Arts, Science and Commerce College Panvel, Maharashtra, India, Pincode: 410206
Vasundhara Dattaram Salunkhe Assistant Professor, Economics, SES's Shikshan Maharshi DadaSaheb Limaye Arts, Commerce and Science College, Kalamboli Maharashtra, India, Pincode: 410218
Machindranath Ashok Ghadge Assistant Professor, Economics , MADP Shikshan Prasarak Mandal Sanchalit DSP College of Arts, Science, Science-IT and Commerce, Kamothe,Panvel, Maharashtra,India, Pincode: 410209
Dinesh Yadavrao Parkhe Associate Professor, Economics, Patpanhale Education societies, Patpanhale Art's Commerce and Science College Patpanhale Tal-Guhagar Dist-Ratnagir, Pincode no -415724

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i10s.2026.8173

Keywords:

Gig Economy, Informal Employment, Urban Labour Market, Worker Welfare, Etc

Abstract [English]

This paper presents an economic study of the working conditions and occupational challenges faced by delivery workers in Navi Mumbai. With the expansion of app-based services, the number of individuals engaged in delivery work has grown, yet their economic realities are insufficiently examined. Based on a primary survey of 77 workers in nodes such as Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, Airoli, and Kharghar, the study explores daily work routines, income patterns, and livelihood struggles. Most respondents report irregular earnings, long hours, and a lack of employment protections. While some pursue delivery work as a temporary or secondary option, the majority rely on it as their primary livelihood. Concerns include rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, and customer rating pressures. The absence of formal contracts and welfare support heightens financial precarity. Despite their urban visibility, delivery workers receive minimal policy recognition. The study emphasizes the need for interventions to ensure income security, legal recognition, and social protections.

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