2 min readNew DelhiMar 2, 2026 09:46 PM IST
Restricting free travel in DTC and cluster buses to women and transgender residents of the Capital, the Delhi government on Monday launched Pink Saheli Smart Card, replacing paper-based pink ticketing scheme introduced by the AAP government in 2019. During the AAP regime, all women — even those who were not residents of Delhi — could travel for free on buses run by DTC and cluster bus services. So far, over 200 crore pink-coloured tickets have been sold.
What is Pink Saheli Smart Card scheme?
- Pink-coloured smart cards will be issued for free travel in DTC and cluster buses.
- Beneficiaries can also use same card for paid travel on DMRC, RRTS, and other public transport services.
- 3 cards to be issued: Pink-coloured card for women, blue-coloured card for general commuters, and orange-coloured card for monthly pass holders.
- In the first phase, pink and blue cards will be launched on Tuesday.
Who is eligible?
- Women and transgender residents of Delhi.
- Above 5 years of age
- Those having valid ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID), residential proof
How to avail the scheme?
- Cards will be distributed from Tuesday at around 50 centres, including DM and SDM offices, selected DTC centres.
- Counters will be open from 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week initially
- Hindon Mercantile Limited (Mufinpay) and Airtel Payments Bank Limited to issue cards.
- Cards will be integrated with Automatic Fare Collection System.
- Pink cards will be issued free of cost
How will the pink cards work?
- Each card will be linked to beneficiary’s mobile and Aadhaar numbers to verify age, gender and Delhi residency.
- Each will function as a touch-free and secure smart card, maintaining accurate digital record of every journey, assisting in route planning and optimising bus deployment.
