Swiggy Bolt Service Now Available in 500 Cities Across India

Swiggy announced on May 2 that it has expanded its 10-minute in-app food delivery service, Bolt, to more than 500 cities across India. This rapid expansion follows just a day after Moneycontrol reported Zomato’s decision to discontinue its 15-minute delivery services, Quick and Everyday, citing operational issues.

Launched in Late 2024, Bolt Gains Fast Traction

Swiggy launched Bolt in October 2024 as a response to the growing demand for instant food delivery. In a few months, Bolt has grown to represent 10% of Swiggy's total food delivery orders, a significant feat reflecting strong customer interest. The service features a curated menu focusing on high-demand, quick-to-prepare dishes sourced from restaurants within a two-kilometre radius.

Strategic Partnerships with Top QSR Brands

To streamline operations and deliver popular items faster, Swiggy has tied up with major quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains. These include KFC, McDonald’s, Subway, Faasos, Burger King, and Curefoods. These partnerships ensure a steady supply of fast-moving food items, enabling Bolt to cater to immediate cravings without compromising on quality.

Meeting the Needs of the Modern Consumer

"Bolt fits into the way people live today. You're hungry, you want something now, and you don’t want to compromise. We built Bolt for that moment," said Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy Food Marketplace. He emphasized the impressive scale achieved in a short span and hinted at further expansion in the future.

Better User Retention Through Speed and Convenience

Swiggy has revealed that users acquired through Bolt display 4–6% higher monthly retention rates compared to the platform’s average. This retention boost is a testament to the growing preference for ultra-fast food delivery among Indian consumers.

Focus on Safety: No Speed-Linked Incentives for Delivery Workers

To address concerns over delivery personnel safety, Swiggy clarified that Bolt orders are not tagged or disclosed to the riders. Furthermore, no incentives are tied to delivery times, ensuring ethical practices and safe working conditions despite the high-speed nature of the service.

Zomato Exits, Others Race Ahead

Swiggy’s expansion comes amid a broader shakeup in the quick delivery space. Zomato recently removed Quick from its main app and launched a separate service, Bistro by Blinkit. Bistro offers rapidly prepared snacks and small meals through Blinkit’s dark store network, reflecting Zomato’s pivot in strategy.

Zepto, Snacc, and More Fuel Market Competition

Zepto, which pioneered the quick delivery category in 2022 with Zepto Café, continues to grow aggressively. Its standalone app now fulfills over 100,000 orders daily, reaching a projected $100 million in annual GMV. Swiggy also runs Snacc, a similar instant delivery service. Meanwhile, competitors like Magicpin, BigBasket, Ola, Swish, and Zing have also entered the segment, intensifying the competition.

Conclusion: A Rapidly Evolving Delivery Landscape

Swiggy’s aggressive push with Bolt indicates a broader trend in India’s food delivery sector. With evolving consumer expectations and a growing appetite for instant gratification, platforms are innovating rapidly. As some players exit and others double down, the race to dominate India’s fast food delivery market is heating up.