Amazon to expand now to 300 cities, launches Sammaan programme

Amazon plans to expand its ultra-fast delivery service, Amazon Now, to more than 300 cities across India as it aims to build the country's largest ‘delivery in minutes’ network. The company also announced the launch of ‘Sammaan’, a dedicated welfare programme for delivery associates supporting its ecommerce and quick commerce operations.

Amazon said Amazon Now has become the fastest-growing ecommerce business unit in its India operations, with orders doubling every quarter since its launch. The company will expand its specialised fulfilment infrastructure to increase product availability and support faster deliveries across the country.

The expansion will allow customers to access tens of thousands of products delivered within minutes or a few hours. Amazon also said it offers more than one million products with same-day delivery, over four million products with next-day delivery, and millions more through unlimited, free and fast Prime Delivery.

A portion of Amazon India’s recently announced $300 million investment in operations and associate well-being will be used to strengthen and expand the Sammaan programme.

“Amazon Now is the fastest-growing ecommerce business unit in Amazon India’s history with orders having doubled every quarter since launch. We are seeing a great response from customers, especially Prime members who triple their shopping frequency once they start using Amazon Now. We have further accelerated our expansion and will offer ultra-fast deliveries to customers in over 300 cities of India,” said Samir Kumar, Country Manager, Amazon India.

He added that delivery associates are at the heart of the company’s ecommerce and quick commerce business and that the Sammaan programme reflects Amazon’s commitment to supporting them through improved health and wellness benefits, education support for their families, and a safer working environment.

Amazon Now is currently available to more than 50 million customers across over 15 metro and non-metro cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Amritsar and Kochi.

To support the expansion, Amazon plans to scale up its network of micro fulfilment centres and urban fulfilment centres. These facilities will stock a wider range of products, including groceries, fruits and vegetables, frozen food, personal care items, fashion and beauty products, small appliances, and home and kitchen products, for delivery within minutes.

The Sammaan programme will provide a range of welfare initiatives for thousands of delivery associates in Amazon’s India logistics network. These include scholarships for associates’ children, support in accessing government benefits and financial inclusion programmes, comprehensive insurance coverage, and on-road safety measures.

As part of the programme, Amazon will also expand its Ashray rest centres to 250 locations this year. The facilities will remain open to delivery associates across the industry.