According to an announcement made by Transport Department of Delhi, eligible women living in Delhi can ride AC and non-AC DTC and cluster buses using the NCMC-based Pink Saheli Smart Card without paying anything.
The Delhi government has transformed its scheme from providing free rides to women via buses from the paper ticket system to the smart card system. The policy change represents a move toward a more digitised and structured approach to delivering the public transport benefit. This new system has come after approval by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and has become operational from October 4.
Key Highlights:
- Delhi women now need Pink Saheli Smart Cards for free bus travel
- Over 19 lakh women have already accessed the smart card facility
- Delhi shifts women’s free bus travel from paper tickets to digital cards
The revised system, has been established by Delhi Transport Corporation (Free and Concessional Passes) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The second amendment of the regulations serves as a legal ground for switching the current mode of benefit to a smart card system.
According to a notification issued by the Delhi Transport Department, eligible female citizens may avail themselves of free transportation with the help of the NCMC-based Pink Saheli Smart Card. The notification also brings transgender residents of Delhi within the scope of the applicable provisions, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.
The notification read, “Female passengers who are residents of Delhi can travel free in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses, both AC and non-AC, only with the use of Pink Saheli Smart Card (NCMC). However, they will have the option to purchase a ticket at the applicable fare for the journey.”
The Smart Card scheme has reached many beneficiaries already. As per reports, more than 19 lakh women travellers have availed the service provided through the smart card scheme since its introduction at the beginning of the year. The Government of Delhi is continuing with the issuance of these cards as it makes the shift towards the digitization process.
The Pink Saheli Smart Card, is a step towards the conversion of paper tickets to digital cards in order to provide free travel facility to the ladies. Transport Department had earlier stated that women will require the smart card from September 30 for taking advantage of the free travel facility.
The registration period for the card still is open for women who have not yet registered, sources confirmed. The qualified beneficiaries will be able to continue their registration process and avail the card benefits enabling them to use the facility of free bus ride through this digitized system.
Apart from issuing cards, efforts are made by the government to create more awareness among the eligible women on how to go about the new process. Regular announcements on the bus depots, DTC and cluster buses, will enhance the visibility and access, in continuation with social media and print media awareness. The goal is to increase awareness among a greater number of beneficiaries regarding the smart card. People who are not eligible under the free travel scheme can use the DTC and cluster buses on payment of the required ticket fare in the same manner.
Current Issue
Most Viewed
- 1 Talented Indian Female Actors Who Also Moonlight as Successful Producers
- 2 7 Indian Female Podcasters You Must Know About
- 3 7 Powerful Independent Indian Women Journalists Who are Voices of Change
- 4 Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh: The Creative Mind Behind Netflix India's Popular Shows
- 5 7 Most Influential Women Educators India has had over the Years
- 6 11 Breakthrough Female Faces Ruling the Indian OTT Platforms
- 7 8 Timeless Female Indian Classical Dancers & their Legacy
- 8 Women's Health Startup HerMD Closing Doors Amid Industry Challenges
- 9 Real Meets Reel: A List of 11 Indian Movies based on Real Women
- 10 Rasha Hassan: A Visionary Leader On A Mission To Transform Dubai's Real Estate Landscape
- 11 5 Indian Women-led IPOs You Must Know About
- 12 11 of the Most Iconic 21st Century Women to become "The First Indian Woman"
- 13 India's 7 Funniest Women Stand-Up Comics You Must Follow
- 14 Aparna Purohit : Leading India's Most Popular OTT Platforms
- 15 How Leaders Can Balance Risk & Innovation in Today's Banking Landscape
- 16 Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy: Sculpting Healthier Futures For The Next Generation With Reforms In Obstetrics Care
- 17 Sylvia Dcosta: A Visionary Business Leader Pushing The Limits And Setting High Professional Standards
- 18 Top 5 All-Rounder Women Cricketers of India
- 19 How Tata AIA is Empowering Women with Insurance That Understands Their Needs
