Maharashtra may bring Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto under bike-taxi rules

Proposed regulation for delivery platforms

The Maharashtra government is considering a move that could bring major food and grocery delivery platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto under the state's bike-taxi regulations. The proposal, if implemented, would mark a significant shift in how these companies operate within the state.

A state minister indicated that the plan is facing legal roadblocks, though the government is pushing ahead with its intent to regulate the sector more tightly. The move comes amid growing concerns over rider welfare, traffic congestion, and the environmental impact of thousands of delivery motorcycles crisscrossing Mumbai and other cities.

EV mandate and welfare levy

According to reports, the draft plan includes a mandate for delivery platforms to gradually transition their fleets to electric vehicles. Additionally, the government is exploring a 2% welfare levy on each delivery, which would fund social security measures for delivery riders.

Such a levy could have significant financial implications for platforms that operate on thin margins. Industry analysts suggest the cost may ultimately be passed on to consumers, potentially affecting demand in a highly competitive market.

Legal hurdles ahead

The minister acknowledged that bringing delivery platforms under bike-taxi rules is not straightforward. Legal challenges may arise from how these companies are categorised—whether they are tech intermediaries or transport service providers. Similar attempts in other states have faced court scrutiny.

Delivery platforms have previously argued that they are marketplaces connecting restaurants or stores with customers, not transporters. The distinction is crucial because it determines which regulatory framework applies.

Impact on riders and companies

For the estimated lakhs of delivery riders in Maharashtra, the proposed rules could bring clearer working conditions and benefits. However, some riders worry that stricter regulations might reduce flexible earning opportunities that drew them to gig work in the first place.

For Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto, the plan adds another layer of compliance in a sector already under pressure from rising costs and regulatory scrutiny across multiple states. The companies have not yet publicly commented on the Maharashtra proposal.

The government's push aligns with broader national discussions on gig worker protections, though Maharashtra appears to be moving faster than most states. Whether the plan survives legal and industry pushback remains to be seen.

What to watch next

The state government is expected to hold consultations with stakeholders in the coming weeks. The final shape of the rules, including the EV timeline and levy rate, will depend on these discussions and any legal outcomes. Industry watchers will be closely monitoring how the platforms respond and whether other states follow Maharashtra's lead.