Amazon plans to widen its ultra-fast delivery service, Amazon Now, to 100 cities in India in 2026, backed by a network of more than 1,000 micro-fulfilment centres.

The expansion will extend the service beyond its existing footprint in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru to a broader mix of metro and smaller cities.

New markets include Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mangalore, Pune and Visakhapatnam.

Amazon Now relies on compact, technology-enabled micro-fulfilment centres built to support rapid deliveries.

These facilities use inventory systems that place products nearer to customers according to local demand trends.

According to the company, the rollout will expand its rapid delivery network in India by increasing reach as well as fulfilment capacity.

Amazon said the initiative will also allow more than 16,000 farmers to supply produce directly to customers through sellers operating on the platform.

The service includes a selection of everyday items, covering groceries, personal care products, fashion and beauty goods, small appliances and others.

The company said the expansion is part of its investment of more than $300m in India, aimed at improving associate safety, health and financial wellbeing, while also strengthening its operations network.

Amazon India everyday essentials vice-president Harsh Goyal said: “Customers continue to enjoy Amazon Now, appreciating our delivery speed, value and selection – especially the quality of fresh produce sourced directly from farmers.

"Encouraged by this success, we have further accelerated our expansion plans and will scale Amazon Now to 100 cities, fuelled by a network of more than 1,000 micro-fulfilment centres.”

Amazon is also taking Amazon Now into other regions.

Earlier this month, the company said it would launch the rapid delivery offering in the US and Europe following what it described as early traction in India and the United Arab Emirates.