Swiggy Expands 10-Minute Food Delivery to 500 Cities

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Swiggy 10-Minute Delivery Expansion has taken the quick commerce industry by storm, with its Bolt service now active in over 500 cities across India—achieved in just seven months since its October 2024 launch. This rapid growth follows Zomato’s decision to shut down its 15-minute delivery service, Quick, due to operational inefficiencies and lack of profitability. Swiggy Bolt already contributes to over 10% of the company’s total food delivery orders, supported by more than 45,000 restaurant partners, including leading QSR brands like McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Burger King, Faasos, and Curefoods. The service specializes in delivering ready-to-eat meals within a 2-km radius to minimize prep time and maximize speed. With a sharp focus on operational efficiency and customer retention, Swiggy has positioned Bolt as a major growth driver in the competitive and fast-evolving quick commerce landscape.

1. Introduction to Swiggy’s Business Model and Services

1.1 Founding and Growth

Swiggy, founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, is a Bengaluru-based food delivery platform that has grown to become one of India’s leading foodtech companies. The company started by connecting customers with local restaurants through an online platform, offering a seamless food ordering experience.

1.2 Revenue Model

Swiggy’s revenue model primarily revolves around commissions from restaurant partners, delivery charges from customers, and advertising revenue from promoted listings on its platform. Additionally, Swiggy has diversified its offerings with services like Instamart for grocery delivery and Swiggy Genie for parcel delivery, further enhancing its revenue streams.

1.3 Funding and Valuation

Over the years, Swiggy has attracted significant investments from global investors, including Prosus, Accel, and SoftBank. In November 2024, Swiggy went public with a $1.4 billion IPO, valuing the company at nearly $12 billion. The funds raised have been instrumental in expanding its quick commerce services and strengthening its supply chain infrastructure.

1.4 Service Offerings

Swiggy offers a range of services, including:

• Food Delivery: Connecting customers with a wide array of restaurants for meal deliveries.
• Instamart: A quick commerce platform delivering groceries and essentials within minutes.
• Swiggy Genie: A pickup and drop service for parcels and documents.
• Swiggy Dineout: A platform for restaurant reservations and dining offers.
• Bolt: The latest addition, offering 10-minute food deliveries from nearby restaurants.

2. Swiggy 10-Minute Delivery Expansion: Bolt’s Rapid Growth

2.1 Launch and Expansion

Swiggy launched Bolt in October 2024, initially operating in six major cities: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Pune. Within seven months, Bolt has expanded to over 500 cities, including Tier II and III towns, marking a significant milestone in Swiggy’s quick commerce journey.

2.2 Operational Model

Bolt focuses on delivering ready-to-eat meals within a 2-km radius, ensuring a delivery time of 10 minutes. The service offers a curated menu of high-demand items with minimal preparation time, such as burgers, biryani, sandwiches, and beverages. By limiting the delivery radius and menu options, Swiggy ensures operational efficiency and consistent quality.

2.3 Restaurant Partnerships

Bolt has onboarded over 45,000 restaurant partners, including prominent QSR chains like KFC, McDonald’s, Subway, Faasos, Burger King, and Curefoods. These partnerships enable Swiggy to offer a diverse range of quick-service meals, catering to the evolving preferences of urban consumers.

2.4 Customer Retention and Growth

Swiggy reports that Bolt accounts for more than 10% of its total food delivery orders. Furthermore, customers acquired through Bolt exhibit a 4-6% higher monthly retention rate compared to the platform’s average. This indicates Bolt’s effectiveness in attracting and retaining customers seeking quick and convenient meal options.

3. Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape

3.1 Zomato’s Exit from Quick Delivery

In contrast to the Swiggy 10-Minute Delivery Expansion, rival Zomato has shut down its 15-minute food delivery service, Quick, due to operational challenges and a lack of profitability. This development underscores the complexities of the quick commerce model and further highlights Swiggy’s strategic advantage and execution strength in scaling ultra-fast delivery at a national level.

3.2 Investment in Infrastructure

Swiggy 10-Minute Delivery Expansion has been supported by significant investments in the company’s supply chain infrastructure. In February 2025, Swiggy announced a $115 million investment in its supply chain subsidiary, Scootsy, to enhance warehouse management and delivery processes, reinforcing the rapid growth of Bolt and other quick commerce services.

3.3 Financial Performance

Despite the expansion, Swiggy reported a wider quarterly loss of ₹7.99 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to ₹5.74 billion a year earlier. The increased loss is attributed to significant investments in quick commerce services, including Bolt and Instamart.

4. Learnings for Startups and Entrepreneurs

4.1 Importance of Operational Efficiency

Swiggy’s success with Bolt underscores the significance of operational efficiency in quick commerce. By optimizing delivery radii and menu offerings, startups can ensure faster deliveries and better customer satisfaction.

4.2 Strategic Partnerships

Collaborating with established brands and local businesses can enhance service offerings and expand market reach. Swiggy’s partnerships with major QSR chains have been instrumental in Bolt’s rapid growth.

4.3 Customer Retention Focus

Prioritizing customer retention through consistent service quality and convenience can lead to sustainable growth. Bolt’s higher retention rates demonstrate the value of meeting customer expectations effectively.

4.4 Infrastructure Investment

Investing in robust infrastructure, including supply chain and logistics, is crucial for scaling quick commerce services. Swiggy’s substantial investments in its supply chain have facilitated Bolt’s expansion.

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