Ride Free, Ride Proud: Delhi’s Pink Saheli Card Empowers Women and Transgenders

Updated: November 02, 2025 20:37

Image Source: Prabhat Khabar

The Delhi government has introduced the Pink Saheli Smart Card, granting free and easy travel on DTC and cluster buses for women and transgender individuals aged 12 and above. This initiative aims to promote safety, inclusivity, and public transport usage across the capital.

The Delhi government unveiled the Pink Saheli Smart Card on November 2, 2025, marking a significant step in empowering women and transgender commuters by providing free travel access on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that daughters, sisters, and mothers above 12 years will now commute freely, enhancing convenience and promoting gender-sensitive public transport.

The card replaces the earlier paper-based pink ticket system, offering a smart digital pass that streamlines access and encourages public transport use while supporting sustainable urban mobility. Besides cost savings for thousands of daily commuters, the initiative is expected to reduce road congestion and lower pollution levels across the city.

This progressive move is not only about financial relief but also about respecting and facilitating the travel needs and safety of women and transgender persons. It reflects the government’s commitment to dignity, equality, and inclusivity in public spaces.

Alongside this transport reform, the Delhi government has also taken a historic step in education by granting official recognition to private unaided schools functioning in non-conforming areas, thereby securing constitutional educational rights for many children.

Key Highlights:

Pink Saheli Smart Card offers free travel on DTC and cluster buses to women and transgender individuals aged 12 and above.
The scheme aims to encourage public transport use and ease financial burdens on daily commuters.
Cardholders receive a personalized digital smart card replacing the erstwhile paper ticket system.
Initiative promotes respect, safety, and inclusivity for women and transgender commuters.
The government’s parallel education reform grants recognition to private unaided schools in non-conforming areas.
Expected benefits include reduced traffic congestion and pollution through increased public transport usage.
The card supports seamless and convenient travel across Delhi for eligible commuters.

This new policy aligns with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s vision for a socially inclusive and gender-responsive governance model that empowers vulnerable groups and fosters equitable urban development in Delhi.

Sources: Economic Times, Times of India, India TV News, The Statesman, GKToday.

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