Maharashtra plans to extend its bike-taxi regulations to include food delivery and ecommerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and Meesho. The proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025, would require these platforms to deploy electric vehicles (EVs), enable GPS tracking of drivers and vehicles, provide insurance coverage, and contribute 2% of each trip’s fare to a driver welfare fund, according to inc42.com.
The welfare fund aims to finance benefits like pensions, accident insurance, EV purchase loans, and education assistance for drivers’ children. Unlike traditional bike-taxi services, food delivery and quick commerce platforms do not operate on fixed ride fares, creating uncertainty about whether the 2% levy would be calculated on payments to delivery partners or distance traveled. If approved, this would be the first time Maharashtra applies its bike-taxi regulatory framework to delivery and ecommerce services, which are currently governed by central laws such as the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
This move reflects Maharashtra’s effort to regulate the growing gig economy within its jurisdiction more comprehensively. By mandating EV use, the state aims to reduce pollution, while the welfare levy seeks to improve social security for delivery workers. The proposal could increase operational costs for major players like Swiggy and Zomato, potentially impacting pricing and service models. Maharashtra’s approach contrasts with other states that primarily rely on central regulations for these sectors.
The amendments are currently under review by the Maharashtra government, with no final decision announced yet. The state’s regulatory framework for bike-taxis, introduced in 2025, now stands to expand its scope significantly if these changes are implemented.