Delhi to replace pink tickets with Saheli Smart Cards for free bus travel. Details
The Delhi government plans to phase out pink tickets from July 2026, making the Pink Saheli Smart Card mandatory for women using free bus travel services in DTC and cluster buses.
Women travelling free on Delhi’s DTC and cluster buses will soon need to use the Pink Saheli Smart Card instead of the current pink ticket system. The Delhi government plans to phase out pink paper tickets completely from July 2026 as part of a move towards a digital public transport system.
Under the new setup, women passengers will have to tap the smart card on electronic machines while boarding buses so that every journey is digitally recorded.
Officials say the change will improve transparency, reduce misuse and help the government collect accurate travel data for better transport planning.
WHY THE SYSTEM IS CHANGING
The pink ticket scheme was introduced in 2019 to provide free bus travel for women in Delhi. Now, the government wants to connect the scheme with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) platform under the Centre’s “One Nation, One Card” initiative.
Officials believe the digital card system will make subsidy distribution more transparent and help track passenger movement more accurately. The smart card can also be recharged for Delhi Metro travel, although Metro rides will not be free under the scheme.
SIX LAKH WOMEN ALREADY REGISTERED
According to transport department data, around six lakh women have already registered for the Pink Saheli Smart Card since enrolment began in March through 58 centres across Delhi.
However, usage remains low, with only around 5% to 6% of cardholders tapping the card while travelling.
Most commuters still rely on pink paper tickets because both systems are currently running together.
Officials said strict implementation has been delayed during the summer months due to high temperatures and heavy passenger load.
Awareness drives are expected to begin soon across buses, depots and terminals to encourage commuters to switch to the digital system.
ALSO READ: Aadhaar biometric update: Why MBU is important for students
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE CARD
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is available only for women residents of Delhi. Applicants must have a Delhi Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Girls aged 12 years and above are eligible to apply.
Cards can be collected from DTC depots, pass sections, SDM offices and special registration centres across the city.
The Delhi government has allocated Rs 450 crore in the 2026–27 Budget for the continuation of the free bus travel scheme and its digital integration.
Women travelling free on Delhi’s DTC and cluster buses will soon need to use the Pink Saheli Smart Card instead of the current pink ticket system. The Delhi government plans to phase out pink paper tickets completely from July 2026 as part of a move towards a digital public transport system.
Under the new setup, women passengers will have to tap the smart card on electronic machines while boarding buses so that every journey is digitally recorded.
Officials say the change will improve transparency, reduce misuse and help the government collect accurate travel data for better transport planning.
WHY THE SYSTEM IS CHANGING
The pink ticket scheme was introduced in 2019 to provide free bus travel for women in Delhi. Now, the government wants to connect the scheme with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) platform under the Centre’s “One Nation, One Card” initiative.
Officials believe the digital card system will make subsidy distribution more transparent and help track passenger movement more accurately. The smart card can also be recharged for Delhi Metro travel, although Metro rides will not be free under the scheme.
SIX LAKH WOMEN ALREADY REGISTERED
According to transport department data, around six lakh women have already registered for the Pink Saheli Smart Card since enrolment began in March through 58 centres across Delhi.
However, usage remains low, with only around 5% to 6% of cardholders tapping the card while travelling.
Most commuters still rely on pink paper tickets because both systems are currently running together.
Officials said strict implementation has been delayed during the summer months due to high temperatures and heavy passenger load.
Awareness drives are expected to begin soon across buses, depots and terminals to encourage commuters to switch to the digital system.
ALSO READ: Aadhaar biometric update: Why MBU is important for students
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE CARD
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is available only for women residents of Delhi. Applicants must have a Delhi Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Girls aged 12 years and above are eligible to apply.
Cards can be collected from DTC depots, pass sections, SDM offices and special registration centres across the city.
The Delhi government has allocated Rs 450 crore in the 2026–27 Budget for the continuation of the free bus travel scheme and its digital integration.
