Cost Dynamics and Sustainability in India’s Gig Economy: A Multi-Stakeholder Analysis of Platform Profitability and Worker Welfare

Abstract

India’s gig economy has expanded rapidly across mobility, delivery, logistics, and digital freelancing platforms. While these platforms promise flexibility and income opportunities, they also introduce structural vulnerabilities for workers and business partners. This study evaluates how leading gig-economy firms manage cost structures while addressing worker sustainability. A mixed-methods approach integrates secondary analysis of financial reports of Zomato, Blinkit, Uber, Rapido, Delhivery, Ekart, Fiverr and ONDC, along with primary survey data from 40 gig workers and 10 restaurant partners in Pune.
Findings reveal pronounced disparities: workers rely heavily on gig income, yet many lack basic social protection and face algorithmic pressures. Restaurants gain visibility but remain burdened by high commissions. Although platforms demonstrate strong revenue trajectories, profitability is often achieved through cost externalisation. The study proposes a multi-stakeholder sustainability framework focusing on portable benefits, graded commissions, algorithmic transparency, and improved regulatory governance. The paper highlights the urgent need for integrated reforms to ensure long-term sustainability and equitable value distribution in India’s digital labour ecosystem.

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