Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto could soon come under Maharashtra bike-taxi norms

Mumbai: Maharashtra could soon bring major food delivery and e-commerce platforms under the state’s bike-taxi regulatory framework, potentially changing how companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto operate their delivery fleets.

The state Transport Department is considering amendments to the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025. The proposed changes would extend the rules, currently applicable to ride-hailing aggregators, to businesses that operate vehicle fleets for delivering products, parcels and packages.

The amendments have been sent to the State Law and Judiciary Department for examination.

EV fleets may become mandatory

Under the proposed framework, delivery and e-commerce platforms could be required to maintain electric vehicle-only fleets. They may also have to install GPS tracking systems for vehicles and drivers, provide insurance coverage and follow fares prescribed by the Regional Transport Authority, The Indian Express reported.

Platforms would also need to obtain a unique licence identification number to operate under the proposed system.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed that the government was considering the changes. He said, “Under the new recommended norms, all bikes plying for less than 15 kilometres will be included under the policy.”

Sarnaik added that EV requirements and other compliance measures would apply to aggregators if the proposed amendments receive approval.

Welfare fund proposed for drivers

One of the key provisions focuses on delivery workers. Platforms may have to contribute 2 per cent of the fare from every ride to a dedicated driver welfare fund.

The proposed fund could provide support through pension benefits, accident insurance, loans for purchasing electric vehicles and educational assistance for workers’ children.

The government has said the wider changes are also intended to create employment opportunities for young people in Maharashtra.

Officials said delivery platforms currently operate in Maharashtra without being covered by a dedicated state regulatory framework. They believe the proposed changes would allow authorities to monitor operations more closely and address disputes or complaints involving drivers and customers.

The amendments also propose a dedicated portal developed by the State Transport Commissioner to enable real-time monitoring of vehicles operating on bike-taxi platforms.

Maharashtra would not be the first state to introduce electrification requirements for delivery and ride-hailing fleets. Delhi and Haryana have also introduced rules aimed at gradually shifting such fleets towards electric vehicles.

However, Maharashtra’s proposal stands out for specifically linking platform operations with a welfare fund for gig workers.