In Siliguri, West Bengal, work begins early and roads fill up fast. But not all movement here is rushed or mechanical. In a city shaped by narrow lanes, familiar neighbourhoods, and a long-standing culture of cycling, two wheels often make more sense than four. Bicycles are not just a mode of transport here, they are part of everyday life, woven into how people move, work, and get things done.

Among the many moving parts of the city are Flipkart Wishmasters like Madhavi, Kanchan and Bijay who ensure orders reach homes on time. For many of them, the bicycle isn’t just a practical choice, it’s a natural one. Some grew up riding through these very streets, others found comfort and independence in it over time, and some were supported into it when they first started out.

Supported by their team at the Flipkart delivery hub, they continue to ride forward — one parcel, one street, one day at a time. Here are their stories in their own words.

Madhavi Sarkar: A Mother First, A Delivery Partner Always

My name is Madhavi Sarkar. I am 33 years old, and I was born and raised in Siliguri. I have been working as a Wishmaster here for more than three years.

I found this opportunity looking for jobs online, and once I joined, my life changed. My husband has health issues and cannot work much. He met with an accident earlier and developed a serious heart condition. Because of this job, I was able to manage his medical needs. During that time, the staff supported me a lot. We also have a young son.

Before this job, I did not know how to ride a bicycle. I used to travel everywhere by bus. After joining, I taught myself how to cycle because I needed it for work. With the help of members at the Flipkart Delivery Hub, I was able to buy a bicycle.

I deliver parcels in the Jalpaiguri area. In the beginning, it was difficult because I did not know the area well. Finding addresses and identifying people was not easy. Now, I know the area very well. I can even train others.

Not all customers are the same. Some can be challenging while others extremely supportive. Regardless of that, we manage everything professionally.

My day starts early. I wake up in the morning, cook for my family, drop my son at school, and then go to work.

I enjoy deliveries especially during the Big Billion Days. There are many parcels, and we earn well during that time. It feels good.

Everything I do is for my son. He is 12 now. My main goal is to secure his future. I believe every woman should be independent. I work so I do not have to ask anyone for money. Every woman should stand on her own feet.

Kanchan Pal: From a Difficult First Day into a Three-Year+ Journey

My name is Kanchan Pal. I am 30 years old. I am from Cooch Behar, but I have been living in Siliguri for the past three years with my wife. I completed my graduation and even pursued a master’s degree for a year.

After that, I came to Siliguri looking for work and started working as a security guard, but the pay was not adequate. During the lockdown, I used to see delivery partners coming every day. I spoke to them about their work and earnings. I felt last-mile delivery could be a better opportunity for me, so I joined the Flipkart hub.

My first day was very difficult. I was delivering by bicycle and did not know how to properly update the location on the app. I had to visit the same place two or three times. I remember crying that day because everything felt new and overwhelming. But I kept telling myself, I will learn. I did not want to go back to being a guard.

Even when people asked how I would manage without a motorbike, I continued with my bicycle. I bought it myself after getting this job. I still ride the same one.

Slowly, I was able to manage work better. Another delivery partner who uses a bicycle taught me how to use the app properly. Now, I deliver around 70 to 80 packages a day. Sometimes this number hits 100.

Customers recognize me because I have been delivering in the same residential area for three to four years. Finding addresses is now easy!

The rainy season is the toughest - it brings a lot of challenges as the roads get really muddy. During the Big Billion Days, the number of parcels we have to deliver increases considerably. It was a challenge initially, but now I am used to it.

I like cooking. Even before marriage, I used to cook for myself. I can cook fish, meat, or whatever I feel like eating. My wife likes what I cook, too. On my day off, I usually stay home and rest.

What I value most at the Flipkart hub is freedom and support. If I face a problem, I get help immediately. In case of an emergency, I can take leave and no one questions me unnecessarily. The benefits and freedom I get here are not available everywhere.

Having trained many new joinees, I always start by telling them about my first day. I tell them not to give up. The first few days feel the hardest. After that, everything becomes normal. For now, I am focused on my work. Let’s see what the future brings.

Bijay Das: Building a Steady Life on Two Wheels

My name is Bijay Das. I am 25 years old, and I was born and raised in Siliguri. I live here with my father and my two brothers. Earlier this year, I faced a great loss. My mother had breathing

problems, and the doctors had already warned us about her condition. After she passed away, I stayed home for some time. Then I returned to work.

Before this, I worked in security services and even in a hotel. In those jobs, salaries were not paid on time. This made life stressful. When a boy from my neighborhood told me about a job with the Flipkart hub here, I decided to join. I have been working here for one and a half years.

I handle my deliveries by bicycle, mostly around the ISKCON area in Siliguri. The distance is around 3 to 4 kilometers. In the beginning, I found it difficult for a week or two because the roads were new.

Now I know the area so well that I do not need Google Maps! I go directly to customers’ houses. This is great during the Big Billion Days when we deliver more than the usual number of packages.

I learned to ride a bicycle by myself when I was young. I used to ride my uncle’s, my father’s, my brother’s, and even my friends’ bicycles. Maybe that is why cycling for work feels natural to me today.

I like living in Siliguri. On my weekly off, I enjoy traveling and spending time in the mountains nearby. I also like fast food, especially momos and chow mein. Small things like this make life feel worthwhile.

If I have to give a message to people my age, I’d say this: if you do not have a job, it is better to work as a delivery executive. It is honest work.

After I go home, I cook for my family. I can make rice, dal, fish, and chicken. Sometimes my brothers or father cook too.

I also like the fact that here I get paid on time. I take responsibility for my work and complete my deliveries honestly. People are also supportive, and that matters to me.