Mumbai’s ubiquitous dabbawalas dwindle in face of post-Covid wariness, surge in app usage

Mumbai’s dabbawalas, known for their efficient lunchbox delivery system, have been hit hard by the pandemic, with their numbers dropping from 5,000 to 1,000. The lockdown and changes in consumer behavior have severely impacted their business, with offices and schools barring access and people opting to carry their own food. The Mumbai dabbawala association is now looking at alternative jobs, and the railways are considering reserving a luggage compartment for senior citizens due to the decline in dabbawala commuters. The dabbawalas are calling for support from corporate offices and MNCs to revive their livelihood.