Chennai/Coimbatore, February 11, 2024: Leading on-demand convenience platform Swiggy teamed up with the Greater Chennai City Traffic Police to conduct a road safety and traffic awareness program for its delivery partners in the city. The initiative launched on February 5th covered key areas like Anna Nagar and Adyar in Chennai.
The three-day program kicked off with a safety rally by Swiggy’s delivery partners in Anna Nagar, drawing a participation of over 100 individuals. This was followed by informative traffic awareness sessions led by Traffic Inspector Mr. Shakthivel, with the presence of Mr. Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic, and Mr. Sundar Raj, Assistant Commissioner of Police. Another session is scheduled for today at Anna Nagar.
According to the Swiggy officials, the initiative is focused on promoting responsible driving practices and it aims at training participants on traffic rules, helmet usage, case studies, consequences of reckless driving, and parking etiquette. Swiggy has been conducting similar road safety training for its delivery partners since 2018.
All partners are provided with insurance coverage, and last year, Swiggy introduced free ambulance services in partnership with Dial 4242. Additionally, the platform offers Emergency Support Services (ESS), including 24*7 hotline numbers and direct links to local emergency services via the delivery partner app.
"We appreciate Swiggy's proactive approach to road safety challenges as evident from their collaboration with the Greater Chennai City Traffic. Their commitment to ensuring the safety of their delivery partners and the communities they serve is commendable. Such initiatives set a positive example for responsible corporate citizenship in our state," remarked Mr. Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic.
“Road accidents, and resultant fatalities and injuries are a big scourge for India. Every year these cost the Indian economy 4-5 percent of the GDP. Most of the victims are pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, with many of them in their prime working age. Swiggy is committed to the welfare of its delivery partners. By conducting regular road safety awareness programmes in association with police authorities, we hope to improve traffic sensitisation to delivery partners and to improve their safety,” said Dinker Vashisht, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Swiggy.
Parthasarthy, a Swiggy delivery partner who attended the session, expressed appreciation for the initiative. “Considering that we, delivery partners, spend so much time on the road, I am glad that Swiggy and the Greater Chennai Traffic Police organized this session for us. Such sessions help us realize that Swiggy cares about our safety as much as it does about delivering to the customer.”
