Table of Contents
Swiggy Instamart expanded its dark store network from 421 in Q1 FY24 to 1,102 in Q2 FY26, marking a 2.6x increase in just six quarters.
However, growth momentum has moderated sharply after the record 316 store additions in Q4 FY25, when the platform undertook its largest capacity buildout to meet peak demand and improve delivery density. Since then, quarterly additions have stabilized around 40–50 stores, signaling a shift from expansion to network optimization.
What It Means
- Expansion Plateau: Swiggy appears to have completed its first phase of footprint scaling and is now optimizing utilization and regional coverage.
- Operational Efficiency Focus: The slowdown reflects a deliberate move toward improving order throughput, dark store economics, and profitability.
- Competitive Context: Blinkit’s network consolidation and Instamart’s slower expansion indicate a broader market shift toward efficiency rather than footprint race.
