Gig and freelance hiring in India’s blue-collar sector surged by 92% year-on-year in 2024, reflecting the growing demand for flexible, on-demand labour. This growth has been fuelled primarily by the rapid rise of e-commerce, food delivery, and ride-hailing platforms, according to a new report from WorkIndia, a blue and grey-collar recruitment platform. The report is based on an analysis of 4.81 lakh job postings across 2023 and 2024 on the WorkIndia platform.

“What we’re seeing is the platformisation of ambition. The likes of quick commerce haven’t just created demand, they’ve validated this sector as a reliable source of income,” said Nilesh Dungarwal, CEO and Co-Founder of WorkIndia to PTI. “For many candidates, especially in smaller cities, delivery jobs are no longer stopgap roles , they’re viable career choices.”

Cities such as Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata recorded over 100% growth in last-mile delivery-related job postings, making them key hubs for gig-based logistics roles.

The demand from job seekers has also remained strong. Applications for gig roles grew 63%, with the highest increase seen among graduates, suggesting a wider acceptance of blue-collar gig work as a mainstream employment option.

The report underlines a structural shift in India’s labour market, driven by technology platforms that are reshaping work expectations, especially in non-metro regions.

(With inputs from PTI)