Delhi Makes Pink Saheli Smart Card Mandatory for Free Bus Travel from August 1

From 1 August 2026, women travelers in Delhi will have to possess the Pink Saheli Smart Card to enjoy free travel on buses run by the Delhi government, it will putting an end to the current paper-based system of pink tickets. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has announced that only those women who have the Pink Saheli Smart Card will be eligible for free bus travel. This new initiative seeks to digitize the scheme and ensure greater transparency in the free travel system.

What is Pink Saheli Smart Card ?

The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a digital smart card brought into use by the Delhi government as a substitute for the pink paper tickets that are issued to women passengers for travelling free on buses.

According to this new system, eligible women passengers will have to carry the smart card and tap it on the card reader while boarding the bus in order to get the benefits of free travel.

The introduction of this system is part of the government’s initiative to modernize the public transportation system and to make the implementation of the women’s free travel scheme easier.

What Changes from August 1?

What the Changes Will Entail from August 1? Starting from 1 August 2026, some significant changes will take effect,

• The existing paper-based pink tickets will no longer be valid.
• Only women who possess a Pink Saheli Smart Card will be entitled to get free access to public transport.
• The card must be tapped for boarding the bus.
• Those women, who do not have the Pink Saheli card, will have to pay for the travel and take the normal tickets.

The changes stated above will be applicable to,

• Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses.
• DIMTS (Cluster) buses.

Why Is the Government Introducing the Smart Card?

As per the Delhi Transport Corporation, the introduction of the smart card system intends to,

• Make the scheme of free travel digital.
• Lower the need for using paper tickets.
• Provide better transparency in ticket distribution.
• Make it easier to check tickets.
• Make operations more efficient.
• Stop any misuse of the scheme.

The step is a part of the larger movement to digitize transportation in urban areas.

Who are Eligible for This Initiative?

Those Women who qualify in accordance with the current free bus travel scheme will be able to benefit from it by acquiring the Pink Saheli Smart Card.

Individuals entitled must,

• Apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card.
• Carry the smart card when in transit.
• Be present for the tapping of the card while boarding the bus.

If one does not present a valid card post the enactment date, he or she will have to pay the normal fare.

The Process of Registration

To ensure the proper implementation of this initiative, the Delhi government has established 50 approved registration centres throughout the city.

Women who meet the requirements can apply for their Pink Saheli Smart Card at any of these centres and follow the directives provided by the:

• Delhi Transport Department
• Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)

The authorities have also started the awareness campaigns to motivate women to complete their registration process in a timely manner.

Delhi will make the Pink Saheli Smart Card mandatory for women to avail free bus travel from August 1, replacing paper-based pink tickets. Learn eligibility, application process and key changes.

Why is Delhi replacing pink bus tickets with the Pink Saheli Smart Card? Discover the new rules, benefits, registration process and what women commuters need to know before August 1.