Maharashtra Plans to Bring Food and Quick-Commerce Delivery Fleets Under Bike-Taxi Rules

The Maharashtra government is considering bringing food delivery and quick-commerce platforms, including Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Amazon, and Flipkart, under the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025. The proposal is currently before the state's Law and Judiciary Department for scrutiny.

The proposal emerged following discussions on bike-taxi operations held during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Proposed amendments include requirements for unique licence identification numbers issued by state or regional transport authorities, driver verification, welfare fund contributions, and electric vehicle adoption.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the state government aims to bring all delivery service providers under a regulatory framework, noting that such bikes operate on roads without adhering to regulatory norms. However, Sarnaik pointed out that the change cannot be fully implemented unless the Central government modifies national legislation.

The current 2025 rules mandate that only electric two-wheelers can operate as bike taxis. Under existing provisions, aggregators are required to maintain a fleet of at least 50 Maharashtra-registered electric bikes, while riders must hold commercial licences, public service vehicle badges, police verification, and undergo periodic health and fitness checks.

The proposal faces legal hurdles regarding low-powered electric two-wheelers. Under Section 2(28) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, battery-operated vehicles with power outputs below 250 watts and maximum speeds under 25 kmph are exempt from registration and licensing requirements. Officials noted that many delivery vehicles currently in use fall within these exempt specifications.

Part-time delivery riders operating private motorcycles have also expressed concern over the proposal. Workers fear that mandatory electrification requirements and additional regulatory compliance will increase their operating costs.

State officials noted that the proposed amendments must clear legal scrutiny and align with the Central motor vehicle statutory framework before Maharashtra can enforce the bike-taxi regulations on e-commerce and delivery aggregators.