All Things Policy The Infrastructure of Convenience
Jan 30, 2026
Sridhar Krishna, Senior Scholar at the Takshashila Institution who led the 20 Million Jobs Project, discusses the rise of ultra-fast grocery delivery. He explores dark-store networks, neighbourhood density and how convenience reshapes consumer habits. The conversation also covers labour grievances, regulatory pushback on 10-minute claims, and the role of infrastructure, education and better jobs in reducing dependence on low-paid delivery work.
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Personal Convenience Examples
- Sridhar Krishna shares personal moments saved by ultra-fast delivery like last-minute shaving cream or missing tomatoes while cooking.
- He notes convenience has made people plan less and order per meal rather than weekly.
Dark Stores, Not Deadlines, Enable Speed
- Dark stores close to dense neighborhoods, not explicit 10-minute targets, enable very fast deliveries.
- Marketing highlights speed but operational design—proximity and stocking—drives real delivery times.
Marketing Vs. Contractual Promises
- Promised 10-minute labels are marketing, not contractual guarantees tied to penalties.
- Sridhar Krishna notes platforms never committed to refunds or penalties for missed 10-minute windows.
