New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- The gig economy is being put through the wringer this festival season.

Hiring delivery agents, drivers, and warehouse staff in the August to November months, coinciding with Durga Puja and Diwali, has been tough for e-commerce companies every year. But the pain is much more pronounced this year owing to aggressive expansion of quick commerce platforms and pressures of the job keeping workers away.

Recruiters estimate demand for such workers has surged 30-50% from the festival months last year and wages of gig workers this season have spiked 40% from a few weeks ago. Workers doing jobs like delivery to home or porter services stand to make Rs.45,000 to Rs.50,000 a month, according to people at recruitment and logist...