All Things Policy The Infrastructure of Convenience
Jan 30, 2026
Sridhar Krishna, Senior Scholar at the Takshashila Institution who led the 20 Million Jobs Project, discusses the rise of ultra-fast grocery delivery. He explores dark-store networks, neighbourhood density and how convenience reshapes consumer habits. The conversation also covers labour grievances, regulatory pushback on 10-minute claims, and the role of infrastructure, education and better jobs in reducing dependence on low-paid delivery work.
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Episode notes
Marketing Vs. Contractual Promises
- Promised 10-minute labels are marketing, not contractual guarantees tied to penalties.
- Sridhar Krishna notes platforms never committed to refunds or penalties for missed 10-minute windows.
Visible Workers Attract Disproportionate Blame
- Road safety issues are systemic; delivery agents are visible targets for criticism though all road users violate rules.
- Shridhar Krishna calls some public reactions "performative empathy" toward visible gig workers.
Target Root Causes Not Taglines
- Banning the phrase 10-minute delivery won't fix structural safety or labour problems.
- Regulators should target working conditions and incentives rather than only marketing language.
