NEW DELHI: Delhi is set to introduce a major change in its free bus travel scheme for women by making the Saheli Pink Smart Card compulsory from August 1, 2026. The move marks the end of the existing paper-based pink ticket system, replacing it with a fully digital process aimed at improving transparency, preventing misuse, and making travel more convenient for eligible passengers.
Paper Pink Tickets to Be Discontinued
For several years, women travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses have been able to avail free travel through paper pink tickets issued by conductors. However, this system will officially come to an end on July 31, 2026.
Beginning August 1, only women carrying a valid Saheli Pink Smart Card will be eligible for free travel. The card must be tapped on the electronic ticketing machine while boarding the bus. Those who do not possess the card will have to purchase a regular ticket and pay the applicable fare.
Digital System Aims to Improve Transparency
The Delhi government’s decision is part of a broader effort to modernise public transport services and digitise welfare schemes. Officials believe the smart card system will make subsidy distribution more transparent while reducing the chances of duplicate claims, fraudulent use, and manual errors associated with paper tickets.
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By shifting to a digital platform, authorities will also be able to maintain accurate travel records and streamline reimbursement procedures. The initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency across the capital’s bus network.
How the Saheli Pink Smart Card Works
The Saheli Pink Smart Card is based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) platform. Women passengers will need to carry the contactless smart card while travelling on DTC and cluster buses.
Before boarding or immediately after entering the bus, passengers must tap the card on the electronic ticketing machine installed with the conductor. Once validated, the journey will be recorded digitally without requiring a paper ticket.
This process is expected to reduce boarding time and make ticket verification faster for both passengers and transport staff.
Who Can Avail the Benefit?
The free travel benefit under the new digital system will be available only to women who possess a valid Saheli Pink Smart Card.
Women who have not yet obtained the card are advised to complete the application process before the July 31 deadline. From August onward, conductors will no longer issue free paper tickets, making the smart card essential for availing the scheme.
Why the Government Introduced the Change
Officials say the transition is intended to create a more accountable and technology-driven public transport system.
The earlier paper ticket mechanism required conductors to manually issue tickets, increasing paperwork and making it difficult to verify claims. The smart card system will automate this process, enabling authorities to monitor usage in real time and reduce administrative burdens.
The move also aligns with the government’s wider push towards digital governance and cashless public services.
Women Advised to Apply Before Deadline
Authorities have urged eligible commuters to obtain the Saheli Pink Smart Card before the transition takes effect. Women who delay applying may temporarily lose access to the free travel benefit and will have to pay regular bus fares until they receive and activate their smart cards.
The application process has been designed to encourage a smooth transition before the paper ticket system is completely withdrawn.
Impact on Daily Commuters
The new digital arrangement is expected to affect lakhs of women who depend on Delhi’s public bus services every day for commuting to workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other destinations.
While passengers will initially need to adapt to the new verification process, transport officials believe the digital card will ultimately make travel faster, more secure, and easier to manage.
The electronic system is also expected to reduce queues, minimise paperwork, and improve the overall efficiency of ticket verification inside buses.
A Step Towards Smarter Public Transport
The introduction of the Saheli Pink Smart Card represents another step in Delhi’s efforts to modernise its public transport network through digital technology. By replacing paper tickets with contactless smart cards, the government hopes to improve transparency, enhance passenger convenience, and ensure that welfare benefits reach eligible beneficiaries more efficiently.
With the August 1 deadline approaching, women commuters are encouraged to secure their Saheli Pink Smart Card in advance to continue enjoying free travel without interruption.
