Planning strategies for the last mile delivery drivers: a case study of Sonipat

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the gig economy, particularly within the e-commerce and logistics sectors, has introduced new challenges and opportunities for urban spatial planning in India. Exploring the spatial and infrastructural implications of gig-based last-mile delivery systems in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, with a focused case study on Sonipat, Haryana. As digital platforms redefine urban logistics by leveraging flexible labour, traditional planning frameworks often fall short in accommodating their dynamic spatial demands. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating spatial mapping, field observations, stakeholder interviews, and policy analysis, to assess how the existing transportation networks and land use configurations influence the operational efficiency of gig workers. Findings reveal significant disparities between the urban core and peripheral zones, with bottlenecks in accessibility, infrastructure provisioning, and regulatory oversight. The research underscores the informal and fragmented nature of gig workspaces, the lack of dedicated infrastructure for delivery operations, and the emerging land-use transformations driven by warehousing and micro-distribution hubs. In response, a set of spatial planning interventions—such as adaptive zoning, mobility enhancements, and policy integration frameworks—that aim to foster equitable, efficient, and sustainable logistics ecosystems in small and medium-sized urban centres. Keywords- Gig economy, Last-mile delivery, urban logistics, spatial planning and urban periphery