The Maharashtra government is planning new rules for food delivery and quick-commerce companies such as Swiggy, Zomato and Zepto.
The aim is to provide better social security to delivery partners while also reducing pollution in the state.
The Maharashtra Transport Department has prepared a proposal to bring these companies under the “Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025.” The proposal has been sent to the Law and Justice Department for review.
Companies May Have to Pay 2% to Welfare Fund
Under the proposed rules, delivery companies may have to deposit 2% of the fare from every ride or order into a Driver Welfare Fund.
The money collected in this fund would be used to provide benefits to delivery partners. These could include pensions, accident insurance and financial support for their children’s education.
The government is also proposing another major rule related to electric vehicles. Companies may be required to use EVs for deliveries covering distances of less than 15 kilometres.
New Safety Rules for Delivery Partners
The proposal also focuses on improving the safety and monitoring of delivery workers.
Delivery vehicles and drivers could be connected to a dedicated digital portal managed by the State Transport Commissioner.
This system would allow real-time tracking of delivery vehicles. Delivery partners may also have to meet requirements such as Maharashtra domicile certification and police verification.
Similar requirements are already applicable to drivers working with ride-hailing services such as Ola and Uber in Maharashtra.
New Rules Could Increase Costs for Companies
Currently, companies such as Swiggy, Zomato and Zepto mainly operate under central laws, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Social Security Code, 2020.
If the proposed amendment is approved, Maharashtra could become the first state to bring food delivery and quick-commerce platforms under its bike-taxi regulatory framework.
However, the changes could increase operating costs for delivery companies.
Unlike traditional cab services, these platforms generally pay delivery partners based on factors such as orders completed and delivery distance rather than a fixed passenger fare.
The proposal is currently under review, so the final rules and their implementation details may change before they come into effect.
