Delhi Government has made the Pink Saheli Smart Card mandatory for women to avail free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses from 1 August 2026. The existing paper-based pink tickets will be discontinued after 31 July 2026.
Key Highlights
- Effective Date: 1 August 2026
- Existing pink paper tickets valid only till 31 July 2026.
- From 1 August, free travel will be available only through the Pink Saheli Smart Card.
- Women without the card will have to purchase regular tickets.
- The facility applies to:
- DTC buses
- Cluster buses operated by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS).
- Smart card issuance will continue at DTC depots and special camps even after 31 July to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left out.
Pink Saheli Smart Card
It s a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-based smart card introduced for free bus travel in Delhi. NCMC is part of the ‘One Nation, One Card’ initiative. It enables seamless digital payments across multiple modes of public transport using a single smart card.
Eligibility
- Women residents of Delhi.
- Transgender residents of Delhi.
- Minimum age: 5 years.
Key Features
- Based on NCMC “Tap-and-Go” technology.
- Free travel by tapping the card on Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM) while boarding.
- Eliminates the need for paper tickets.
- Generates a digital travel record.
- Can be recharged online.
- Designed for future payment-based use in:
- Delhi Metro
- Other public transport systems.
Benefits
- Reduces financial burden on women commuters.
- Encourages greater use of public transport.
- Makes ticketing more transparent and convenient.
- Enhances safety and accessibility.
- Estimated monthly savings of ₹1,200–₹2,400 per beneficiary.
Background
- The initiative was launched by President Droupadi Murmu on 2 March 2026.
- It replaces the paper-based pink ticket system introduced by the previous AAP Government in 2019.
- The scheme is now integrated with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) under the ‘One Nation, One Card’ initiative.
- Free travel under the revised system is restricted to women residents of Delhi.