Foodtech

Zomato Pilots Innovative Last-Mile Delivery Service for Corporate Parks

• ByStartupStory     |    April 2, 2024

Zomato, one of India’s leading online food delivery platforms, has embarked on a pioneering venture. According to a recent report by Entrackr, Zomato is currently testing a novel service designed to streamline last-mile food deliveries within corporate parks, particularly targeting office workers.

The innovative pilot program is specifically tailored to enhance efficiency and convenience for customers located within tech and corporate parks, where traditional delivery logistics often encounter hurdles. In these settings, access restrictions beyond reception areas can significantly impede the timely delivery of food orders.

Zomato’s solution involves the establishment of micro hubs within office premises situated in Gurugram, a major business hub in India. Within these hubs, delivery partners deposit food orders, which are then seamlessly transferred to designated “walkers.” These walkers undertake the crucial task of delivering orders directly to customers on their respective floors or precise locations within the corporate buildings.

The report indicates that Zomato has likely forged agreements with corporate parks to authorize and facilitate these last-mile delivery operations. Moreover, the company aims to provide a hassle-free experience for customers and optimize delivery efficiency by minimizing communication from delivery partners and assigning dedicated walkers for each floor.

Currently undergoing testing at five to six locations in Gurugram, including prominent corporate parks like Unitech Cyber Park, the pilot program aims to assess its viability and success before potential expansion to other major cities across India.

Early feedback suggests promising demand for the service, with one hub reportedly managing an estimated 100 to 150 orders per day. This innovative approach draws inspiration from successful models observed in China, where companies like Meituan have effectively employed stationed teams to optimize deliveries within areas housing numerous corporate and startup establishments.

While the scalability of this concept remains uncertain, Zomato’s initiative reflects a broader trend within the logistics industry, where companies are exploring inventive solutions to enhance last-mile delivery efficiency. As the pilot program progresses and feedback accumulates, Zomato aims to revolutionize the food delivery landscape, catering specifically to the unique needs of office workers within corporate parks.

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