On Saturday, a call from Swiggy call left me surprised — it was a girl’s voice on the other end, enquiring about my location to deliver my favourite Saturday food fix, ‘Biryani with extra gosh’.

Puzzled, I checked the notifications from the online food delivery agency and was happy to find that it was inded a girl who would be delivering my food.

As per reports, Swiggy plans to employ 2,000 women as delivery personnel by March 2019. Already the company has about 60 women delivering food across 10 cities including Ahmedabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune. Keeping in mind safety issues and preference by some, the company will allow women to complete deliveries by 6 pm and will also have a dedicated helpline to address concerns.

Dressed in a salwar suit and a hoodie, Sravya (name changed) who delivered my food seemed confident and in a hurry to deliver her next order, with no time to spare for small talk. As I walked her out of the office to buy time to speak to her, this MBA graduate tells me, “This job was my choice because I have responsibilities. I joined last week and do about 15-20 deliveries. I like my job. I think the company has hired about 15 girls in the city; I am not sure of the number but I heard there are other women delivery executives as well.”

Sravya’s constant checking of her phone proved she takes her work seriously. Has she so far met any difficult customers? “No, everyone is surprised but are very encouraging. Even the restaurant staff are very helpful. They don’t misbehave,” she informs. About continuing in this line, she says “I have a goal for myself and I will do this job till the time I achieve that,” she smiles.

Is she sometimes worried or scared to visit strange places? “No not at all. My city is beautiful and people are good,” says Sravya with a lot of faith.

Cheers to Hyderabadis who let this woman explore unknown frontiers in safety, giving women the much-needed boost.