4 min learnMumbaiUp to date: Aug 8, 2026 11:59 AM IST
Meals supply and e-commerce platforms similar to Swiggy, Zomato and Zepto may quickly be introduced underneath the ambit of Maharashtra’s bike taxi norms, which might require them to keep up an electrical car fleet and contribute 2 per cent of the fare per trip to a driver welfare fund, The Indian Categorical has learnt.
At present, such platforms are ruled by central legal guidelines, together with the Client Safety Act, 2019; the Client Safety (E-Commerce) Guidelines, 2020; and the Code on Social Safety, 2020. Maharashtra doesn’t have a separate regulatory framework for these companies, not like its Aggregator Guidelines, 2026, which govern ride-hailing apps similar to Ola, Uber and Rapido.
ALSO READ | Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato to contribute to fund for gig workers’ welfare
Now, the state’s transport division headed by Minister Pratap Sarnaik is learnt to have proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Guidelines, 2025, to incorporate supply service platforms and e-commerce entities. At present, the foundations apply to ride-hailing aggregators.
The proposed amendments outline “supply service suppliers” as entities that personal or function car fleets for product, parcel, and bundle companies, thereby bringing platforms similar to Swiggy, Blinkit, Zomato, and Zepto underneath the regulatory framework for the primary time.
If the amendments are enforced, such platforms are more likely to be required to function an EV-only fleet, allow GPS monitoring for the driving force and car, present insurance coverage cowl, undergo fare laws as prescribed by the Regional Transport Authority, and procure a singular licence identification quantity.
ALSO READ | Social security for Swiggy, Zomato partners: How Karnataka’s new welfare fee for gig workers operates
Story continues under this advert
Considerably, the amendments preserve the supply individual’s pursuits in thoughts — the platforms must contribute 2 per cent of the fare per trip to a driver welfare fund that may help pension advantages, accident insurance coverage, EV buy loans, and training help for his or her kids.
Transport Minister Sarnaik confirmed the event and stated, “Below the brand new beneficial norms, all bikes plying for lower than 15 kilometres can be included underneath the coverage.” He stated that necessities referring to sustaining an EV fleet and different compliances would apply to such aggregators if the amendments are finalised and authorised.
The amendments have been submitted to the State Legislation and Judiciary division for scrutiny. This follows Sarnaik’s announcement within the Legislative Meeting final month that bike taxi drivers in Maharashtra can be required to own domicile certificates and government-issued public service car badges. The minister has stated that the proposed adjustments are supposed to generate employment alternatives for native youth.
ALSO READ | As gig workers strike on Dec 31, how countries have acted on their rights — and where India stands
Story continues under this advert
Transport division officers stated the amendments are additionally aimed toward regulating e-commerce and digital supply platforms that at the moment function within the state with out falling underneath the bike taxi regulatory framework. “Whereas such platforms already do enterprise within the state, they don’t fall inside the purview of motorbike taxi norms, making it tough for the state to observe their actions and maintain them accountable in case of disputes or passenger grievances,” a transport official stated on situation of anonymity.
The proposed amendments additionally draw from the Maharashtra Motor Car Aggregator Guidelines, 2026, to offer for a devoted portal, developed by the State Transport Commissioner, for real-time monitoring of automobiles working on bike-taxi platforms.
Apart from Maharashtra, the Nationwide Capital, underneath the Delhi Motor Car Aggregator and Supply Service Supplier Scheme, 2023, and Haryana, through the Haryana Motor Autos (Modification) Guidelines, 2026, additionally mandate a phased conversion or gradual electrification for supply and trip aggregator fleets. Nevertheless, these norms don’t prescribe particular particulars on welfare fund schemes aside from compliance with general labour laws in India.
