Amazon India has expanded Project Ashray through a strategic collaboration with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), launching forty new Ashray Centers across the country. This milestone reinforces Amazon’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of India’s delivery partners.
Inauguration of the Newest Center in Delhi
The latest Ashray Center was inaugurated in Rohini, Delhi, by Shri Yogender Chandolia, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from the North West Delhi Constituency. The ceremony was attended by Shri Muralikrishna V Vadrevu, Executive Director, Non-Fuel Business, HPCL; Salim Memon, Director, Amazon Operations, India; and Ashleigh de la Torre, VP of Amazon U.S. Transportation, Sustainability, and Kuiper Public Policy. With this addition, Amazon now operates 65 Ashray Centers across 13 cities, moving closer to its ambitious goal of 100 centers by the end of 2025. In the Delhi NCR region alone, the company now runs 24 Ashray Centers.
What Ashray Centers Offer
Ashray Centers serve as dedicated rest stops for delivery partners, offering:
*Air-conditioned seating areas
*Clean drinking water
*Mobile charging points
*Washrooms
*First-aid kits
Importantly, all delivery partners—regardless of which company they deliver for—can access these facilities free of cost. Since their launch in Q3 2024, Ashray Centers have seen a 70% surge in usage, reflecting their growing importance.
Leaders Applaud the Initiative
“Project Ashray is precisely what India’s rapidly expanding gig economy requires,” said Yogender Chandolia, Hon’ble MP, North West Delhi. He commended Amazon for its foresight and added,
“As our nation strengthens its digital commerce infrastructure, these centers provide essential support to delivery professionals who connect businesses with millions of households daily. The government stands firmly behind such innovative initiatives that enhance worker welfare while advancing India’s economic growth agenda.”
Amazon Reaffirms Its Commitment
“The well-being of our delivery partners remains our foremost priority,” said Salim Memon, Director, Amazon Operations, India. He highlighted that these centers address the everyday challenges delivery partners face amid traffic congestion and extreme weather. “By providing essential amenities and opening these facilities to all delivery personnel, we’re reinforcing our commitment to their welfare. Our partnership with HPCL helps us scale this network rapidly and support the frontline workers powering India’s digital economy,” he added.
HPCL’s Role in Redefining Fuel Stations
“By reimagining our fuel stations with Amazon, we’re creating essential havens for delivery partners across India,” said Muralikrishna V Vadrevu, Executive Director, HPCL. He noted that these centers offer moments of respite during demanding days, reflecting HPCL’s commitment to supporting India’s gig economy workforce with dignity and respect.
Moving Toward 100 Centers by 2025
With this expansion, Amazon and HPCL are setting a new standard in worker welfare for India’s gig economy. The companies are on track to establish 100 Ashray Centers by the end of 2025. These will provide delivery professionals with safe, comfortable, and well-equipped rest facilities.
