Delhivery and Bajaj Auto have announced a strategic partnership to deploy approximately 1,500 Bajaj electric cargo three-wheelers across Delhivery's network over the next two years. According to an exchange filing by Delhivery, the partnership began with the rollout of 200 Bajaj RIKI eCarts across Delhivery's last-mile delivery network after the first batch was officially flagged off at Bajaj Auto's Akurdi facility in Pune. The second phase, scheduled for 2026-27, will see the deployment expand to nearly 1,500 Bajaj electric three-wheelers across L3 and L5 categories, with a special focus on smaller cities beyond metros. The official flag-off took place on June 23, marking the formal commencement of this significant electrification initiative.
The partnership benefits from extended government subsidies under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, with electric two-wheelers receiving subsidies until July 2026 and electric three-wheelers until March 2028. The total fund allocation of ₹10,900 crore has been significantly impacted by unexpectedly high demand for cargo electric three-wheelers (L-5 e3w). As reported by The Economic Times, sales of L-5 e3w have surpassed expectations and depleted allocated funds, while e-rickshaw and e-cart categories have seen minimal achievement, leading to reduced fund allocation for these segments. The Indian government is considering reallocating subsidies within the PM E-DRIVE scheme to support the thriving L-5 e3w segment, with subsidies for electric three-wheelers potentially running out by July-August 2026. Additionally, Bajaj Auto has requested the Maharashtra government to pay 60 percent of subsidy claims totaling ₹60-70 crore that have remained undisbursed for years, highlighting ongoing challenges in government subsidy disbursement.
The collaboration combines Bajaj Auto's proven expertise in electric mobility with Delhivery's tech-led operational scale to modernize urban logistics operations. As reported by The Economic Times, the partnership extends electrification to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, marking a significant step forward in sustainable last-mile delivery solutions. The Bajaj RIKI eCart is specifically designed for demanding last-mile cargo operations, delivering reliability, durability, and uptime that fleet operators require for business continuity. The logistics giant plans to integrate the eCarts with its automated route optimization systems, allowing delivery partners to cover routes more efficiently while reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions. The deployment will cover Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across the country, representing a substantial expansion of sustainable logistics infrastructure beyond metropolitan areas.
The Bajaj Riki C4005 (eCart) features an efficient electric powertrain, 2-speed automatic transmission, and lower maintenance requirements, significantly reducing operating costs per kilometer while providing excellent load-ability. According to The Economic Times, when combined with Delhivery's automated route optimization, delivery partners can complete more drop-offs per trip. This operational efficiency translates directly into sustainable, reliable increases in daily take-home earnings for last-mile delivery partners. The vehicle promises to cut operating costs while improving payload efficiency, with delivery riders potentially completing more deliveries per trip and better earnings. The partnership leverages Bajaj Auto's proven technology with Delhivery's operational expertise to create a comprehensive solution for sustainable urban logistics across India's diverse city landscape.
Prashant Gazipur, Chief Operating Officer, In-City Operations at Delhivery, emphasized that the collaboration addresses the economic well-being of delivery partners while advancing both environmental goals and those of clients. As reported by The Economic Times, by combining intelligent routing with efficient cargo EVs, the company aims to create a delivery ecosystem that is more profitable for riders, safer to operate and more sustainable for businesses seeking lower-carbon supply chains. The initiative prioritizes smaller cities, with the integration of route optimization systems aimed at boosting efficiency and slashing emissions across Delhivery's nationwide network. The partnership represents a significant step toward India's broader electrification goals in the logistics sector, demonstrating how technology and operational excellence can drive sustainable urban mobility solutions.
