3 weeks ago
Maharashtra proposes EV fleet, welfare fund norms for delivery apps
Some companies in India deliver food and other things to people's homes using motorcycles.
Big delivery companies like Swiggy, Zomato and Zepto send riders on bikes to bring us our orders.
A state called Maharashtra makes rules for bikes that carry passengers.
Now, the state wants those rules to also cover delivery companies.
Under the new rules, delivery companies must use electric bikes, which do not need petrol.
They must also put a tracking device on the bikes so companies know where riders are.
Every time someone gets a delivery, the company must put 2% of the money into a special fund.
That fund helps riders with things like pensions, accident insurance and paying for electric bikes.
It can even help pay for the education of riders' children.
The government says these changes will help create jobs for young people in the state.
Maharashtra's transport department has proposed amending the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025 to bring food delivery and e-commerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Blinkit under bike-taxi norms for the first time.
Platforms would have to operate an EV-only fleet, enable GPS tracking, provide insurance cover, follow fare regulations and obtain a unique licence identification number.
Companies must contribute 2 per cent of the fare per ride to a driver welfare fund covering pensions, accident insurance, EV purchase loans and children's education assistance.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said all bikes plying for less than 15 kilometres will be included under the policy if the amendments are finalised and approved.
The amendments have been submitted to the State Law and Judiciary department for scrutiny; Delhi and Haryana already mandate phased EV conversion of delivery fleets.
- Who
- Maharashtra's transport department headed by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, and delivery platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Blinkit.
- What
- Proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025 that would bring food delivery and e-commerce platforms under bike-taxi norms, requiring EV-only fleets and a 2 per cent driver welfare fund contribution per ride.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- When
- The amendments have been submitted to the State Law and Judiciary department for scrutiny, following the minister's announcement in the Legislative Assembly last month.
- Why
- To regulate platforms that currently operate outside bike-taxi norms, make them accountable for disputes and grievances, and generate employment opportunities for local youth.
Key facts
- Proposed change
- Amendments to Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025 to include delivery service providers and e-commerce entities
- Platforms affected
- Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit
- Key requirements
- EV-only fleet, GPS tracking, insurance cover, fare regulations, unique licence identification number
- Welfare fund contribution
- 2 per cent of fare per ride
- Welfare fund uses
- Pension benefits, accident insurance, EV purchase loans, education assistance for children
- Distance coverage
- All bikes plying for less than 15 kilometres
- Status
- Submitted to State Law and Judiciary department for scrutiny
- Similar norms elsewhere
- Delhi (2023 scheme) and Haryana (2026 rules) mandate phased EV conversion of delivery fleets
Quotes
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik
Maharashtra transport minister
“Under the new recommended norms, all bikes plying for less than 15 kilometres will be included under the policy.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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