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Public transport is not just a necessity but a symbol of independence — one that often comes with concerns about safety, accessibility, and comfort. Women who rely on public transport for work or personal travel are all too familiar with the challenges of navigating Delhi’s crowded buses, long waits, and unpredictable commutes.
In a landmark initiative to advance women’s safety and inclusivity in public spaces, the Delhi government has launched the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’, enabling women and transgender commuters to travel free of cost on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses.
Announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday, November 2, the move aims to make travel safer, more accessible, and more dignified for women and transgender individuals while encouraging the use of public transport across the city. “Now, daughters, sisters, and mothers above 12 years of age will be able to travel free and conveniently on DTC (Delhi transport corporation) and cluster buses,” Gupta wrote on X, calling the scheme “an important step towards making travel easier for women in Delhi, promoting the use of public transport, and providing more facilities and respect to women’s power.”
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is set to replace the existing pink paper tickets currently used for free travel. The government said the new card will have the photo and name of the user and include top-up facilities, allowing cardholders to also use it for other transit systems like the Delhi Metro upon recharge.
According to officials, back-end integration for smart card-based ticketing has been completed, and card-reading machines have already been installed in most buses. The rollout will be phased over the coming weeks, with the first batch of cards expected to reach users soon.
Delhi’s bus network caters to nearly 20.9 lakh passengers daily, with women making up almost half of that number. Between January and June 2025 alone, DTC and cluster buses carried an average of 10.48 lakh female passengers per day. Data also suggests that the system issued 7.3 lakh general passes and 3.5 lakh concessional passes between 2024-25.
The digital shift aims to simplify travel for these commuters while reducing manual ticketing errors and misuse. Officials also view the card as a crucial step toward digitising Delhi’s public transport ecosystem, linking bus travel, metro connectivity, and digital payments under a unified system.
To apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card, commuters will need to register on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) portal, complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification at a designated bank branch, and provide required documents like your Aadhaar card, PAN card, proof of Delhi residence, and a passport-size photo. The cards will then be dispatched by banks directly to applicants.
Beyond making daily travel more convenient, the Pink Saheli Smart Card reflects a broader commitment to social inclusion and gender equality in Delhi’s public transport system. By extending the benefits of free travel to both women and transgender commuters, the initiative acknowledges the mobility challenges faced by marginalised groups and seeks to create a safer, more welcoming public space for all.
However, some have pointed out that the eligibility criteria, which is restricted to residents with valid Delhi domicile proof, may limit the scheme’s inclusivity in practice. Many women who have lived and worked in the city for years but lack formal Delhi residence documents could find themselves excluded from this facility. Critics argue that for a city as dynamic and migrant-driven as Delhi, such restrictions may weaken the spirit of universal access the initiative aspires to represent.
Even so, the government maintains that the residency requirement ensures accountability and prevents misuse of subsidies.
1. What is the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a new digital travel card launched by the Delhi government, allowing women and transgender commuters to travel free on DTC and cluster buses.
2. Who can apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
Women and transgender individuals above 12 years of age who are residents of Delhi are eligible to apply.
3. How can I apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
Applicants can register on the DTC portal, complete KYC verification at a designated bank branch, and submit documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, and proof of residence.
4. Will the Pink Saheli Smart Card work for metro travel?
Yes, once recharged, the card can also be used for Delhi Metro rides and other transit systems.
5. Why has Delhi introduced this card?
The initiative aims to make public transport more inclusive, improve safety, promote digital ticketing, and reduce overcrowding and manual ticketing errors.
