Prepping for the festive cheer: Amazon scales delivery network in India

Competing with Walmart-owned Flipkart and Reliance-owned Jiomart, the e-commerce major has added tens of thousands of delivery partners to serve the rising customer demand for the festive season

With the festive season round the corner, Amazon India has built significant augmentation in its delivery network.

The e-commerce firm, which competes with Walmart-owned Flipkart and Reliance-owned JioMart, has ramped up its delivery infrastructure and added a number of delivery partners to serve the rising customer demand. 

The company has added close to 200 delivery stations, including those operated by ‘delivery service partners’ across the country, to further its direct reach including Northeastern towns such as Champhai, Kolasib, Lumding and Mokokchung.

“The recent expansion in delivery programmes has collectively furthered Amazon India’s goal to improve reach and provide a fast, safe and more seamless e-commerce experience ahead of the festive season,” said Prakash Rochlani, director (last-mile operations), Amazon India. 

The firm has also strengthened its delivery programmes as well with its flagship ‘I Have Space’ (IHS) programme. It now comprises more than 28,000 neighbourhood stores and kiranas in close to 350 cities. Under the ‘I Have Space’ program, Amazon India partners with local store owners to deliver products to customers within a 2-4 km radius of their store. This allows them to supplement their regular income and generate more footfalls in their stores. 

The firm has also nearly doubled the reach of the Amazon Flex programme in the last four months, to now serving 65 cities in India. The programme allows delivery partners to work according to their own schedules and earn supplemental income of Rs 120-140 an hour, delivering Amazon packages.