Maharashtra Considers Bike-Taxi Rules For Swiggy, Zomato

Maharashtra is considering bringing food delivery and quick-commerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Amazon, and Flipkart under the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025. The proposal emerged after discussions on bike-taxi operations during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and is currently before the state’s Law and Judiciary Department for scrutiny.

The proposed amendments include listing unique licence identification numbers issued by the concerned state or regional transport authority, along with requirements relating to electric vehicles, driver verification, and welfare fund contributions. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the state wants delivery service providers to be covered by the framework.

The existing rules allow only electric two-wheelers to operate as bike taxis. Aggregators must maintain at least 50 Maharashtra-registered electric bikes, while drivers require commercial licences, PSV badges, police verification, and periodic health and fitness checks. However, legal experts have raised questions over applying these rules to delivery vehicles.

Under Section 2(28) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, certain battery-operated vehicles with power below 250 watts and speeds below 25 kmph are exempt from registration and licensing requirements. Officials said many delivery vehicles fall within these specifications.

The proposal has also worried delivery riders who use private motorcycles and work part-time. They fear mandatory electrification and additional compliance could increase costs. The amendments will have to clear legal scrutiny and remain within the framework of Central motor vehicle laws before Maharashtra can bring delivery and e-commerce platforms under the bike-taxi rules.

The move is aimed at regulating the growing number of delivery vehicles on the state's roads. With the rise of food delivery and e-commerce platforms, there has been a significant increase in the number of two-wheelers used for commercial purposes. The state government wants to ensure that these vehicles operate safely and follow the rules.

However, the proposal faces significant legal hurdles. The Central Motor Vehicle Rules exempt certain low-powered electric vehicles from registration and licensing requirements. This means that many delivery vehicles may not be required to follow the same rules as bike taxis.

The state government will have to carefully consider the legal implications of the proposal before moving forward. The amendments will require careful scrutiny to ensure that they are in line with Central motor vehicle laws. If implemented, the rules could have a significant impact on the food delivery and e-commerce industry in Maharashtra.

In conclusion, the proposal to bring food delivery and quick-commerce platforms under the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025, is a significant development. While the move is aimed at regulating the growing number of delivery vehicles on the state's roads, it faces significant legal hurdles. The state government will have to carefully consider the legal implications of the proposal before moving forward.

The proposal is part of a broader effort by the state government to regulate the commercial use of two-wheelers. With the rise of food delivery and e-commerce platforms, there has been a significant increase in the number of two-wheelers used for commercial purposes. The state government wants to ensure that these vehicles operate safely and follow the rules.

Overall, the proposal to bring food delivery and quick-commerce platforms under the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025, is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While the move is aimed at regulating the growing number of delivery vehicles on the state's roads, it faces significant legal hurdles. The state government will have to carefully consider the legal implications of the proposal before moving forward.