India's Quick Commerce and Instant Services Face Growth and Operational Challenges in 2026

India's quick commerce and instant service sectors are evolving amid intense competition and operational challenges. Bernstein forecasts 2026 as a year of exploration rather than profit for quick commerce, with firms like Eternal and Swiggy navigating competitive dynamics. BigBasket is adjusting dark store strategies with location-based discounts to improve economics. Blinkit has dropped its 10-minute delivery claim following government concerns over gig worker safety. Meanwhile, the instant home help segment saw a 50-60% order increase in December, led by Urban Company and others, despite rising cash burn.