For the first time in India, the Greater Chennai Corporation has opened two modern, air-conditioned rest lounges just for gig workers like food, grocery, and parcel delivery staff. These workers spend long hours on the roads in all kinds of weather, and these lounges offer them a much-needed break.

The lounges are stylishly designed in a Scandinavian style and have a seating of 25 people. They provide clean drinking water, mobile charging points, and clean washrooms. This pilot project, built at a cost of ₹25 lakh, is an important step towards supporting the thousands of delivery workers in the city. For many of them, especially women, these lounges are more than just a resting spot, they are safe, clean, and respectful spaces to relax during a hard day’s work.

Delivery workers in Chennai say the new rest lounges have made a big difference in their daily lives. Anupriya, a woman delivery agent, said, "We often had no place to rest and waited outside restaurants. Now, thanks to the Corporation and the Chief Minister, we have this lounge. It feels safe, even at night. I'm really thankful." Another delivery agent, Kalaiarasan, shared how helpful the lounge is during Chennai’s hot weather. "It's very hot here. After long rides, we used to rest in parks. This lounge is peaceful and refreshing."

Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu had mentioned these rest spots in his budget speech, and now the Chennai Corporation plans to open more of them across the city, depending on how well the pilot project works.

As more cities in India depend on gig workers, Chennai’s effort could inspire similar projects nationwide. These lounges give delivery workers more than just a break, they offer comfort, safety, and the respect they deserve for keeping the city moving.