New Delhi, July 3 -- India's quick commerce is moving beyond metro cities, but expansion into new markets is beginning to face resistance that goes beyond logistics and infrastructure. As companies race to deepen their footprint in smaller cities, they are increasingly running into local regulatory frameworks designed to protect traditional retail and indigenous businesses.

That challenge has now surfaced in Meghalaya. Blinkit's expansion into the northeastern state has stalled after the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) refused to issue the trading licence required for the company to operate within its jurisdiction. The decision comes just as quick commerce platforms are aggressively targeting Tier II and emerging markets ...