Rapido driver struggles as phone crashes in extreme heat, video shows harsh reality

A Rapido rider struggled mid-delivery when his phone crashed in extreme heat, halting his work and sparking debate on gig worker conditions and pay.

In Short

• Delivery rider's phone overheated in 41°C heat, stopping work mid-shift
• Rider highlights low pay of Rs 20-30 per ride despite harsh conditions
• Video sparked online debate on gig workers' tough work environment

A delivery rider showed the harsh realities of working in extreme heat after his phone overheated mid-shift, leaving him unable to take calls or continue his work, an issue that has now sparked a wider debate online on work culture.

The video, shared by Rajveer on X, showsd a Rapido rider struggling with his device under scorching conditions.

In the clip, the rider explained how the intense heat caused his phone to lag and eventually stop functioning altogether. “My entire phone hung up, nothing is working... the phone overheated to the point of it lagging terribly, and I can’t even receive the customer’s call,” he said.

He went on to describe the challenges of working outdoors during peak summer, adding, “We work in overbearing heat and our devices stop working, and we still don’t get paid enough for it.” The moment showed a critical issue for gig workers, when their phone stopped, so did their livelihood, even as customer expectations and platform demands remain unchanged.

In the caption of his post, Rajveer pointed out how delivery partners continued to operate in temperatures crossing 40°C, often for as little as Rs 20-30 per ride.

He also pointed out that beyond physical exhaustion, workers risk damaging their personal smartphones, an essential tool for their job, due to overheating.

Watch the video here:

The video has led to a flood of reactions online, with several users expressing concern over the working conditions faced by delivery riders.

There were many commenters who argued that such workers deserved hazard pay, adding that risking one’s health in extreme heat for minimal earnings had become alarmingly normalised.

Others shared personal ways of showing appreciation, such as offering cold drinks to delivery partners during summer, while also acknowledging that every profession came with its own set of challenges.

At the same time, some users emphasised that systemic changes are needed, suggesting that delivery platforms should introduce additional incentives or safeguards for those working in extreme weather conditions.

The clip, undoubtedly, brought attention to the realities of gig economy jobs, where workers often bore the brunt of harsh conditions with limited support. Some users also discussed how behind every quick delivery was a person navigating not just traffic and time pressure, but also unforgiving weather and fragile working conditions.

- Ends