The proposed framework could require food-delivery and ecommerce platforms to deploy electric vehicle fleets and contribute to a driver welfare fund
Maharashtra may bring food-delivery and ecommerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto under its bike-taxi regulatory framework. Under the proposed amendments, companies could be required to use electric vehicle fleets and contribute to a driver welfare fund, according to media reports.
The proposed changes would amend the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025, which currently govern ride-hailing aggregators. If approved, the rules would for the first time bring app-based delivery and e-commerce operators with vehicle fleets under a state-level transport framework, expanding oversight of their delivery operations and riders.
Proposed Compliance Requirements
The Maharashtra transport department has proposed defining “delivery service providers” as entities that own or operate vehicle fleets for transporting products, parcels and packages. This definition could bring major food-delivery and quick-commerce platforms within the scope of the proposed regulations.
Platforms covered by the rules could be required to operate electric-only fleets, enable GPS tracking of vehicles and drivers, provide insurance cover and comply with fares prescribed by the Regional Transport Authority. They could also have to obtain a unique licence identification number under the proposed framework.
The proposed rules would apply to bikes undertaking trips of less than 15 kilometres, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, according to media reports. Requirements relating to electric vehicles and other compliance measures would take effect if the amendments are approved.
Two Per Cent Levy For Rider Welfare
The proposal also includes a financial contribution from platforms towards a driver welfare fund. Companies could be required to contribute 2 per cent of the fare from each ride to the fund, which is intended to support pension benefits, accident insurance, loans for purchasing electric vehicles and education assistance for drivers’ children.
The proposal comes as Maharashtra moves to establish a broader regulatory framework for app-based mobility and delivery services. The state currently does not have a separate regulatory framework specifically governing food-delivery and e-commerce platforms, which are primarily subject to central laws including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, and the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Proposal Under Legal Review
The amendments have been sent to Maharashtra’s Law and Judiciary department for scrutiny and have yet to receive final approval. The transport department’s proposal follows the state government’s broader move to regulate bike-taxi services through state-level rules.
Transport department officials said the proposed amendments would also allow the state to monitor delivery and e-commerce platforms that currently operate outside the bike-taxi regulatory framework. Officials cited difficulties in monitoring such operations and holding platforms accountable in cases involving disputes or grievances.
Real-time Vehicle Tracking
The proposed framework could also extend the state’s real-time monitoring mechanism to delivery vehicles. The Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2026 provide for a dedicated portal developed by the State Transport Commissioner to monitor vehicles operating on bike-taxi platforms.
If extended to delivery services, the system could give authorities greater visibility into vehicles and drivers operating for app-based food-delivery, quick-commerce and e-commerce platforms. The extent of the monitoring requirements would depend on the final form of the amendments.
