Heavy Rains and Flooding Disrupt Food Delivery and Quick Commerce in Mumbai

Heavy Rains and Flooding Disrupt Food Delivery and Quick Commerce in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 21, 2025

Heavy rains and flooding have thrown daily life into disarray in Mumbai, hitting the operations of food delivery and quick commerce platforms. Since Friday, the city has been battered by over 300 mm of rainfall, triggered by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, leading to widespread waterlogging, blocked roads, and disrupted delivery services.

For delivery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and FreshMenu, the weekend turned into a logistical nightmare. While demand typically spikes during bad weather, flooded roads and high-velocity winds made deliveries nearly impossible in several neighborhoods, including Chembur, Parel, Thane, Andheri, and Wadala.

“On an average day, we receive about 1,000 orders, but since the rains began, demand has risen to 1,200–1,300 daily orders,” said Rajesh Choudhary, manager at Swiggy’s Instamart in Mumbai. “The challenge is not demand but supply and last-mile delivery.”

FreshMenu founder Rashmi Daga echoed similar concerns. “With heavy rains, our supplies, particularly vegetables, have been constrained due to roadblocks. Our order cancellations have doubled.” FreshMenu runs 20 cloud kitchens across Mumbai, listed on both Swiggy and Zomato.

Several platforms even suspended operations for hours in severely waterlogged areas. A Blinkit store manager in South Mumbai, requesting anonymity, admitted, “Our daily target is around 1,500 orders, but this past week we’ve only managed about 1,000–1,200. We haven’t seen any increase despite the rains.”

On social media platform X, users have shared videos and photos of delayed deliveries, damaged parcels, and stranded riders stuck in traffic jams.

For delivery partners, safety has become the biggest concern. “We are scared of accidents. The winds during this cyclone-like rain make it very dangerous,” said one delivery agent. Riders have demanded that the rain fee, currently set at ₹20, be increased to ₹40 to compensate for the risks. “It’s really tough to ride in this weather with all the traffic and waterlogging,” added a Blinkit delivery partner.

Experts point out that extreme weather not only increases demand but also raises average order values. “Customers usually plan purchases in such situations, which increases the average basket size,” noted Satish Meena, founder of market intelligence platform Datum.

Meanwhile, logistics firm Delhivery confirmed disruptions in affected regions. “Due to severe weather, deliveries in the affected regions are experiencing delays. We have temporary disruptions in operations in heavily impacted areas, and are working with local teams to resume service as soon as possible,” the company said in an email statement.

With Mumbai being one of India’s largest markets for both food delivery and quick commerce, the recurring challenge of heavy rains underscores the fragile balance between demand surges and on-ground delivery feasibility.


Manotsava 2025: India’s National Mental Health Festival Returns to Bengaluru

Manotsava 2025: India’s National Mental Health Festival Returns to Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on October 31, 2025

The much-awaited second edition of Manotsava – India’s National Mental Health Festival is returning to Bengaluru this November at The Lalit Ashok. Organised by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in collaboration with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), the festival promises two days of meaningful conversations, interactive sessions, and creative engagement around the theme of mental well-being.

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This free and open-to-all event brings together experts, researchers, and the general public to explore how mental health connects to our everyday lives. From genetic research, psychedelics, and gut microbiome science to more relatable themes such as workplace burnout, parenting, aging, maternal health, and technology’s influence on mental well-being, the festival will touch on it all.

Visitors can look forward to an array of experiences, including panel discussions, keynote talks, workshops, stalls and exhibits, discussion circles, and live music performances. For families, there’s even a dedicated children’s zone, ensuring an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all ages.

Manotsava isn’t just an event, it’s a movement to bring mental health into public spaces, making conversations about the mind as normal and open as any other aspect of life.


IHCL Signs New Taj Hotel in Pondicherry

IHCL Signs New Taj Hotel in Pondicherry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality group, has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Pondicherry, further expanding its luxury footprint in South India. The upcoming property will be a greenfield project, developed in partnership with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan of MGM Healthcare.

Spread across 52 acres, the 180-key Taj Pondicherry will offer panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. Located on the outskirts of White Town, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a bar, and a lounge, bringing together refined gastronomy and timeless elegance.

Guests can unwind with Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle, which offers holistic spa therapies and wellness treatments. The property will also include a gym, swimming pool, and multiple recreational amenities for a complete leisure experience.

Designed to host grand social gatherings, the hotel will feature the largest indoor banquet hall in the region, spanning 10,700 sq. ft., along with exclusive beachfront lawns ideal for weddings and outdoor events.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,

“Pondicherry has witnessed a steady rise in domestic travel and a rebound in foreign arrivals, reinforcing its position as a key leisure destination. The addition of Taj Pondicherry will cater to the growing demand for large-scale social events in the region. We are delighted to partner with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan for this project.”

Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, MGM Healthcare, added,

“We are happy to venture into the hospitality sector with IHCL. This hotel will be a landmark destination in the region.”

Known for its French colonial charm, serene beaches, and spiritual ambience, Pondicherry continues to attract travellers from across the world. Popular attractions such as Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Oussudu Bird Sanctuary, and the Puducherry Canyon add to its appeal as a cultural and wellness retreat.

About the Owning Company:

MGM Healthcare is a diversified entrepreneurial venture by Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, operating three hospitals in Chennai, one in Vizag, and two upcoming projects in Chennai. He also serves as the Chancellor of a renowned university that runs medical colleges in both Puducherry and Chennai.

With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence across India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, combining luxury, heritage, and hospitality excellence under the Taj brand.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence in Gujarat with New Property in Morbi

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence in Gujarat with New Property in Morbi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the launch of its latest managed property, Lemon Tree Hotel, Morbi, further strengthening its presence in Gujarat, one of India’s most vibrant industrial and business destinations.

Strategically located in the ceramic capital of India, the new hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers. Its prime location offers excellent connectivity to nearby industrial and commercial hubs such as Rajkot and Jamnagar, making it an ideal choice for corporate guests, traders, and tourists visiting the region.

The hotel features 69 well-appointed rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality. Guests can savour diverse flavours at Citrus Café, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, European, and Pan-Asian delicacies.

For events and gatherings, the hotel offers extensive banqueting spaces including Tangerine Grand and Tangerine Lawn, which can accommodate up to 400 guests, perfect for business meetings, conferences, and social celebrations.

Additional amenities include a spa, fitness centre, and swimming pool, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate after a busy day.

The property also provides convenient access to some of Morbi’s popular attractions, such as Mani Mandir, Green Tower, Wellingdon Secretariat, and Nehru Gate, adding a touch of local charm to every stay.

Commenting on the launch, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President of Lemon Tree Hotels, said,

“Morbi is one of Gujarat’s fastest-developing cities, known globally for its ceramic industry and entrepreneurial spirit. With the launch of Lemon Tree Hotel, Morbi, we are delighted to announce the 10th operational property in Gujarat to bring our signature comfort, warmth, and value to both business and leisure travellers visiting this vibrant city.”

With this opening, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to expand its footprint across India, offering exceptional hospitality experiences rooted in comfort, quality, and value.

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