Tech Desk: Two years after its launch, Walmart-owned Flipkart’s quick commerce service, Flipkart Minutes, is rapidly closing the gap on India’s established instant delivery leaders. With daily orders surging to an impressive 1.1-1.2 million, up from 400,000 in November, Flipkart Minutes is now neck-and-neck with Swiggy’s Instamart, marking a significant challenge to pioneers like Blinkit and Zepto.

This remarkable ascent is fueled by an aggressive expansion of infrastructure. Flipkart Minutes now operates over 1,000 micro-fulfillment centers across India, with plans to reach 1,500 by year-end by adding approximately 100 facilities monthly. This strategic build-out leverages Flipkart’s vast existing e-commerce customer base, providing a ready audience for its rapid delivery services.

The service isn’t just expanding; it’s also retaining customers, boasting 65-70% monthly repeat buyers and a 50-60% increase in transactions per customer year-over-year. Average delivery times have also improved, dropping to an impressive 11 minutes. This success highlights a crucial shift in Indian consumer behavior, where instant gratification is becoming the norm for groceries and everyday essentials.

As quick commerce takes a central role in online shopping, both Flipkart and Amazon are making significant defensive and offensive plays to secure their market share. The convenience of immediate delivery is proving irreversible, compelling e-commerce giants to adapt or risk losing customers to specialized instant delivery platforms. Flipkart’s rapid growth underscores the intense battle for India’s digital consumers.