Patel said the drivers' English was often better than that of the dabbawallahs who hail from rural Maharashtra and speak Marathi, making it easier to communicate, while customers can also use a mobile app to track the progress of deliveries.
But Medage, president of the Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers' Association, is unconcerned.
"We are still getting fresh recruits from villages because not many opportunities exist there. With hard work they can make at least 10,000 rupees ($150) a month instead of nothing back home."
Suresh Pawar, a dabbawallah for 12 years, said: "The number we deliver goes up and down. When one stops here, another starts somewhere else."