Amazon India has significantly expanded its Project Ashray initiative, launching 40 new Ashray centres nationwide in collaboration with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). Shri Yogender Chandolia, Member of Parliament from Delhi's North West Constituency, inaugurated the newest facility in Delhi’s Rohini area marking another milestone in Amazon's commitment to delivery partners’ welfare.
"Project Ashray is precisely what India's rapidly expanding gig economy requires, and I commend Amazon for their foresight. As our nation strengthens its digital commerce infrastructure, these centres provide essential support to delivery professionals who connect our businesses with millions of households daily,” says Shri Yogender Chandolia, MP, Delhi North West Constituency. “The government stands firmly behind such innovative initiatives that enhance worker welfare while advancing India's economic growth agenda. This initiative reflects that your dedication to your work is truly remarkable, and it is greatly appreciated.”
The inauguration was attended by Shri Muralikrishna Venkata 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 has 65 Ashray centres across 13 cities, moving closer to its goal of establishing 100 such centres by the end of 2025. In Delhi NCR, Amazon now operates 24 Ashray centres in all.
As an industry-first initiative Ashray centres operate year-round (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) in high foot-fall areas such as petrol pumps and commercial rental spaces. Each centre can accommodate up to 15 people at a time and allows them free access for up to 30 minutes per visit along with convenient parking spaces. Additionally, the Ashray centre locations are added to Google Maps for easy access by delivery associates.
Creating a network of support
Project Ashray, conceptualised in 2024, is steadily progressing toward its goal of establishing 100 such facilities by the end of 2025. These centres serve as dedicated rest stops for delivery associates, providing essential amenities such as air-conditioned seating areas, clean drinking water, mobile charging points, washrooms, and first-aid kits.
What makes Project Ashray truly distinctive is its inclusive approach. The facilities welcome all delivery associates, regardless of which company they deliver for, completely free of cost.
“At Amazon, the well-being of our delivery partners is fundamental to everything we do” says Ashleigh de la Torre, Vice President of Amazon U.S. Transportation, Sustainability, and Kuiper Public Policy. “The opening of our new Ashray Centre in Delhi demonstrates this commitment by creating a welcoming hub where drivers can access essential amenities, comfortable spaces and rest areas throughout their day. While we've designed these facilities primarily to support Amazon delivery, we're proud to extend these benefits to all delivery personnel.
She adds, "Through this inclusive approach, combined with our collaboration with HPCL, we're creating more than just rest stops - we're building community hubs that support the dedicated people who keep India's digital economy moving forward. As we approach the festive season, expanding to 65 centers across 13 cities marks an important milestone in our journey to 100 Ashray Centres this year."
Strategic partnerships
Amazon's collaboration with HPCL has been instrumental in rapidly expanding the Ashray network. Together, they're creating essential spaces for delivery associates navigating busy traffic and challenging weather conditions.
"By reimagining our fuel stations with Amazon, we're creating essential havens for delivery partners across India," said Murali Krishna V Vadrevu, Executive Director, HPCL. "The initiative will provide delivery partners moments of respite during demanding days. These Ashray centres reflect our commitment to supporting India's gig economy workforce with dignity while recognising the humanity behind every package delivered to Indian doorsteps."
Making a difference
Salim Memon, Director of Amazon Logistics India, emphasises the company's commitment, "The wellbeing of our delivery partners remains our first and foremost priority at Amazon. These Ashray centres address the everyday challenges delivery partners face while navigating bustling traffic and extreme weather conditions."
He adds, "By providing essential amenities and opening these facilities to all delivery personnel regardless of what company they deliver for, we're reinforcing our commitment to the welfare of delivery associated. Our collaboration with HPCL enables us to rapidly expand this network and support the frontline workers who power India's digital economy."
Voices from the ground
Since its inception, Ashray centres have recorded thousands of visits, demonstrating the growing demand and need for this initiative for the last mile community.
The real impact of Project Ashray is evident through testimonials from delivery associates who use these facilities daily. "When we are out for delivery, it is hot, we get tired, and the mobile charge runs out. Either we have to go back home or find a place to charge phones, it gets difficult. With the centre, using washroom, having water, taking breaks and charging phones has become easier," shares Adarsh, a delivery partner from Mumbai.
The first Ashray centre was launched in Gurugram in August 2024, with two new centres following close on its heels in Bengaluru and Mumbai. The expansion is expected to further increase accessibility for delivery associates, ensuring they have reliable spaces to rest and recharge while fulfilling customer orders.
Fayaz, another delivery partner from Mumbai, explains, "We have got a place to take food breaks. We have washroom facilities here as well. We used to face a lot of problems during rains which will reduce now. I want to thank Amazon for this. I hope Amazon will keep providing such facilities in the future too. Delivery associates are getting a lot of help from this place."
Looking ahead
As Amazon prepares for the festive season, creating more than 150,000 seasonal job opportunities across its operations network, the expansion of Project Ashray demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to improving working conditions for delivery partners. Since its inception, Ashray centres have recorded thousands of visits, with the first centre launched in Gurugram in August 2024, followed by centres in Bengaluru and Mumbai. In Delhi NCR alone, Amazon now operates 24 Ashray centres, with continued expansion planned to support India's growing digital commerce ecosystem.
