Delhi Mandates ‘Pink Saheli’ Card for Free Bus Travel

Starting August 1, the Delhi government is transitioning to a mandatory smart-card system, phasing out paper tickets for women’s free bus travel.

NEW DELHI — Women commuting via Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses will be required to carry and use the "Pink Saheli" smart card to avail of free travel benefits beginning August 1, 2026. The Delhi government has officially announced the phase-out of the traditional paper-based pink ticket system, signaling a full transition to a digitized, NCMC-based (National Common Mobility Card) ticketing mechanism.

The shift is designed to streamline the implementation of the women's free travel scheme, improve ridership data collection, and eliminate potential misuse of the paper-ticket system. While the free travel benefit itself remains unchanged, the method of access is now strictly digital.

Digitizing Public Transit Access

For months, the Delhi government has operated a dual-system where both paper pink tickets and the newer Pink Saheli smart cards were accepted. However, as of August 1, the paper tickets will no longer be valid. Passengers who have not yet obtained or activated their smart cards will be required to purchase standard tickets at regular fares when boarding DTC or DIMTS (cluster) buses.

Transport officials have expressed concern regarding the relatively slow adoption of the digital system, despite roughly 11 lakh cards already being in circulation. To bridge the gap before the August 1 deadline, the transport department has launched an extensive awareness drive.

"From August 1, women passengers who do not have a Pink Saheli card shall not be issued pink tickets and shall be required to purchase normal tickets by paying the applicable fare for travelling in DTC and DoT (cluster) buses," a formal order from the Delhi Transport Corporation stated.

Improving Operational Efficiency

The transition to the NCMC-based Pink Saheli card offers several logistical advantages for the city’s transport authorities. By requiring passengers to tap their cards on electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) or validators, the government aims to:

• Real-Time Data: Monitor ridership patterns across various routes and times of day.

• Transparency: Reduce the administrative burden of tracking paper-based subsidies.

• Resource Allocation: Use digital insights to optimize bus deployment and frequency based on actual demand.

The Delhi government has allocated ₹450 crore in the 2026-27 budget to support the scheme’s operational costs and the technological infrastructure required for the smart card transition.

How to Obtain the Pink Saheli Card

To facilitate the transition, the government has established 50 authorized centers across the capital. Eligible women—residents of Delhi aged 12 and above—can apply by providing a Delhi-linked Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Applications can be submitted:

• Online: Via the official transport department website or mobile application.

• Offline: At designated bus depots, transport department counters, and the 50 authorized registration centers.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Deadline: Paper pink tickets expire on July 31; smart cards become mandatory on August 1.

• Scope: Applies to all DTC and DIMTS (cluster) buses in Delhi.

• Accessibility: Eligible women must show proof of Delhi residency to obtain the card.

• Infrastructure: Over 15 lakh cards have been issued to date, with a target of 13 lakh by month-end.

FAQ

What happens if I don't have a Pink Saheli card by August 1?

If you do not have a valid card, you will have to pay the standard ticket fare for your journey.

Is the free travel scheme ending?

No, the free travel scheme for women continues; only the ticketing process is changing from paper to digital smart cards.

Who is eligible for the Pink Saheli card?

Any female resident of Delhi aged 12 years and above is eligible to apply for the card.

Where can I get the card?

You can apply online via the Delhi Transport Department website or visit one of the 50 designated offline centers/depots.

Source: Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Press Trust of India (PTI), The Hindu, Times of India.