E-commerce and food delivery services will be suspended in New Delhi District for G20 summit

Online delivery services, excluding medicine, would be stopped in the New Delhi region during the G20 Summit, according to the Delhi Police, causing disruptions to platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto, among others. Essential services, including postal and medical services, as well as sample collections by pathology laboratories, will continue to operate throughout Delhi.    

Extensive preparations are underway in the national capital ahead of the G20 summit on September 9 and 10 in Delhi. As part of the stringent security measures, traffic diversions, restricted access to specific areas, and closures have been put in effect. The summit is set to take place at the newly-constructed Bharat Mandapam convention centre at Pragati Maidan. 

“Cloud kitchens and food deliveries, or any commercial deliveries like Amazon deliveries, will not be allowed as we have stopped commercial services in the NDMC area,” Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) SS Yadav said.

Meanwhile, food delivery platforms, restaurant chains, and food services companies have appealed to the government to consider permitting food deliveries as an essential service. 

In a letter addressed to the Delhi government, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has requested that food deliveries from restaurants should be allowed as was done during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Food and groceries are essential services. These deliveries were permitted even during Covid-19 lockdowns. From a consumer convenience perspective, it will be helpful if the government would permit these services, in compliance with guidelines” Dinker Vashisht, VP, Public Policy at Swiggy.