Summer as a source of income shock for gig workers

As India moves into another summer, early forecasts indicate intense heat ahead. Heatwaves are no longer rare; they are a recurring feature of Indian summers. The question is no longer whether extreme heat will return, but whether the country is prepared for its economic consequences.

Official data show that India did experience significant heat-related mortality in 2022. Meteorological trends indicate that heatwaves across large parts of the country have become more frequent and prolonged over the past decade. As policymakers review preparedness measures before peak summer arrives, there is one group which remains largely absent from the adaptation conversation — gig and delivery workers, whose livelihoods increasingly power India’s urban economy.