Amazon India Expands Ashray Centres to 100 for Delivery Associates Amid Rising Temperatures

Amazon India has announced its intention to expand its Ashray centres, which serve as rest stops for delivery associates in the e-commerce and logistics sectors, to 100 locations by the end of this year. These centres are equipped with air-conditioned seating, clean drinking water, electrolytes, mobile charging points, washrooms, first-aid kits, and refreshment facilities.

Representative image

Currently, Amazon operates over 30 Ashray centres. The expansion comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts higher-than-normal temperatures from April to June, with increased heatwave days in central and eastern India and northwestern plains. In response to rising temperatures in the capital, 10 new centres have been launched in Delhi-NCR.

Expansion of Ashray Centres

The Ashray centres, meaning "shelter" in Hindi, are not limited to Amazon's delivery network. They are accessible to all associates within the e-commerce and logistics ecosystem. This initiative is described by Amazon as an industry-first effort to provide dedicated rest areas for delivery associates and logistics partners in high-traffic locations.

Amazon funds these centres but is open to collaborating with other companies in the future to expand and sustain the initiative. Located at petrol stations and commercial rental spaces, these centres offer essential amenities and operate from 9 AM to 9 PM every day throughout the year.

Facilities and Accessibility

The Ashray centres allow free access for up to 30 minutes per visit to all visiting delivery associates. Each centre can accommodate up to 15 people at a time and provides convenient parking spaces. "The health, wellbeing and comfort of delivery associates is our top priority," said Abhinav Singh, VP Operations, India and Australia at Amazon.

These facilities aim to provide delivery associates with a comfortable and safe pit-stop during their busy schedules. By opening these facilities to all delivery associates across the e-commerce and logistics ecosystem, Amazon supports the entire logistics community and demonstrates its commitment to raising industry standards.

Singh further stated that they are encouraged by the positive response received so far and remain committed to expanding this initiative to 100 such centres across India. The company hopes that more firms will join this effort in the future.