Maharashtra Eyes EV Rule, 2% Levy on Delivery Apps
Maharashtra is considering new rules that could require food delivery, quick-commerce and ecommerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Meesho to use electric two-wheelers for shorter trips and contribute towards a welfare fund for gig workers.
Maharashtra Plans EV Mandate for Delivery Apps
The state government is examining amendments to the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025, to expand their scope beyond passenger transport platforms.
Under the proposal, delivery platforms operating two-wheelers on trips of less than 15 km could be required to deploy electric vehicles. Companies would also need to provide GPS-based tracking of drivers and vehicles and ensure insurance coverage for workers.
The amendments are currently under review and have not yet received final approval.
Swiggy, Zomato Could Face 2% Welfare Levy
The proposed framework would require covered platforms to contribute 2% of each trip’s fare towards a driver welfare fund.
The money could be used to provide benefits including pensions, accident insurance, loans for purchasing electric vehicles and education assistance for workers’ children.
However, calculating the proposed levy for delivery platforms remains unclear because food delivery and quick-commerce orders do not operate on fixed passenger fares. Authorities will have to determine whether the contribution is linked to delivery-partner payments, order values or distance travelled.
Maharashtra Expands Gig Worker Regulation
If approved, the changes would bring food delivery, quick-commerce and ecommerce companies under a state transport regulatory framework for the first time.
Maharashtra also plans to develop a dedicated portal allowing authorities to track vehicles operating under the framework in real time.
The proposed rules could increase compliance costs for major delivery platforms while accelerating electric vehicle adoption among gig workers. The measures remain proposals until the state completes its legal review and formally clears the amendments.
