In a significant expansion of its express food delivery offering, Swiggy has rolled out its 15-minute delivery service, ‘Bolt’, across more than 500 cities in India. Initially launched in October 2024, the service now contributes 10% of the platform’s total food orders, according to a company statement.
The expansion comes as competition in quick commerce and rapid food delivery is tightening. Notably, rival Zomato recently exited the quick food delivery space, citing profitability concerns, leaving Swiggy well-positioned to capture a larger market share.
The management of Swiggy thinks Bolt has the potential to significantly alter consumer expectations and boost operational effectiveness. The business anticipates lower logistics costs and quicker customer turnaround because the Bolt model has shorter delivery distances. These benefits are also consistent with Swiggy’s overarching plan to enhance unit economics throughout its delivery operations.
“Every one in ten orders on Swiggy is now being fulfilled via Bolt,” a spokesperson said, highlighting the early adoption and customer stickiness the feature has achieved in just six months since its debut.
The service has been structured to cater to high-frequency, low-prep meals from strategically located partner kitchens and select restaurants.
By ensuring hyper-local delivery routes and streamlined preparation, Swiggy aims to maintain the 15-minute delivery promise without compromising food quality.
Industry observers view this as a bold yet calculated move. With Zomato stepping back from the 10-minute food delivery race, Swiggy appears to be doubling down with a scalable and sustainable framework.
However, challenges remain. Maintaining consistency in quality, speed, and safety across a wide network of cities will test Swiggy’s logistical muscle and its partnerships with food vendors and delivery partners. Yet the initial indicators, growing order volumes, reduced costs, and customer loyalty, suggest Bolt is on a promising trajectory.
This success also suggests a wider change in India’s urban food environment, where convenience is emerging as the primary engine of consumer preference. In Bolt, Swiggy perhaps found the optimum combination between speed and satisfaction a recipe that would shape the Indian online food delivery future.
Also Read: Third Wave Coffee Bleeds ₹50 Crore in FY24 Despite Expansion to 70+ Outlets
