Delhi Issues 8.4 Lakh Pink Saheli Cards for Women

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 21 May 2026

The government's Pink Saheli Smart Card has been issued to over eight lakh Delhi women and transgender people, significantly increasing the easy and digital access to public transport for women and transgender people in the Capital.

The scheme is an expression of the Government's efforts to make Delhi a safer, technology-driven, women-friendly transport system, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Tuesday. The number of registrations continued to rise, indicating women's increasing trust in the public transport system, she said.

The scheme is being operated by the Delhi Government and the Delhi Transport Corporation, using NCMC-enabled smart cards for women and trans-gender passengers to tap and travel free on the buses of the Delhi Transport Corporation. 

“The Pink Saheli Smart Card is not only about free travel. It represents dignity, safety, and self-reliance for women,” the Chief Minister said.

Under the system, passengers no longer need paper tickets. Travel details are automatically recorded when the card is tapped on electronic ticketing machines installed inside buses. Officials said the card is also being designed for future integration with Metro and other transport services.

Key Highlights:

• 8.4 lakh women and transgender people receive Pink Saheli Smart Cards in Delhi
• Smart cards enable free, cashless travel on DTC buses
• Scheme boosts women’s safety, mobility, and monthly savings

The Chief Minister announced that the Government has begun special registration camps at residential colonies and government offices to accelerate the process of card distribution and make it easier for applicants. The registration process is all online, according to officials, and they have also tried to maintain it without causing any delays and inconvenience. The camps are anticipated to be held in various sections of the city over the next few weeks.

The Chief Minister said the Government’s broader aim is to transform Delhi’s public transport system into a modern, secure, and world-class network with special emphasis on women’s mobility. “When public transport becomes safe and accessible, women automatically get better opportunities in education, employment, and independent living,” she said.

All women and transgender people residing in Delhi, above 5 years, are eligible to join the scheme, officials said. The Government has seen a positive impact on women's use of public transport and a lower cost of getting around as a result of the scheme.

The official estimated Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,400 monthly savings on commuting expenses for beneficiaries. They also said that the savings are helping the many families face their household budgets better.

Two of the most critical concerns of women commuters in big cities, according to transport professionals, are affordability and safety. The Delhi Government has been trying to solve both the issues through technology driven initiatives and augmenting public transport.

The smart card system enhances transparency as users can keep a digital travel record and load the smart card with funds online when necessary, officials said. It is also anticipated that manual ticketing problems within buses will be diminished with the use of digital systems.

The Government has been emphasizing more and more on welfare and mobility schemes that are women-centric, in the last few months. The Pink Saheli is being promoted as a part of the broader campaign to modernize urban transport and make it more accessible for women to use confidently.