There is big news for the women, girls, and transgender people of Delhi. Until now, women were given a pink ticket for free travel in Delhi buses. But soon, the government will stop giving these pink tickets. However, this does not mean the free travel facility will end. This service will continue, but the method will change.
The ‘Pink Ticket’ scheme, which started during the Aam Aadmi Party government, is now being replaced by the ‘Saheli Smart Card’ scheme. Under this new scheme, the Delhi government will give a smart card to all women, girls, and transgender persons above the age of 12 who live in Delhi. Let us now understand all the important details about this new scheme so that women can get the full benefit of it.
What is the Saheli Smart Card Scheme?
The Delhi government has started a new scheme called the Saheli Smart Card. This card will now replace the pink ticket that women and transgender people were using for free travel in Delhi buses. The new smart card will have the user’s name and photo. It will be made under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system. With this card, users can travel free in both DTC and cluster buses.
Who Can Get This Card?
To get the Saheli Smart Card, the applicant must be a woman or transgender person, and a permanent resident of Delhi. The person must be 12 years of age or older. Also, the applicant should have a valid address proof of Delhi. To get the card, one must register online on the DTC portal and complete the KYC process at a selected bank branch.
What Documents Are Needed?
To get the card, some documents are needed for KYC. These include:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Proof of residence in Delhi
- Passport-size photo
- Any other documents asked by the bank
BREAKING
BJP stops Free Bus rides for women in Delhi, brings a new system.
Delhi @gupta_rekha discontinues FREE Pink Tickets for Bus rides of Women in Delhi buses.
Now, Delhi women will need to apply and get Smart Saheli Card and provide a long list of documents to become… pic.twitter.com/HQd95abGqc
— AAP Ka Mehta 🇮🇳 (@DaaruBaazMehta) July 8, 2025
How Will You Get the Card?
After completing the registration and KYC, the bank will send the card to your home address. This card will then be activated by DTC’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS). If you lose the card, you must inform the bank. The bank will give you a new card based on its rules and process.
Are There Any Charges?
The Delhi government will not charge any fee for bus travel. But the bank may charge a small amount for issuing or maintaining the card. This charge depends on the bank’s policy.
Where Can You Use the Card?
The Saheli Smart Card can be used for free travel only in DTC and cluster buses. But if you recharge the card with money, you can also use it in the Delhi Metro or other transport services. Still, the free travel benefit is available only in buses.
DTC Will Not Issue the Cards
It is important to know that DTC will not give the cards directly. The full process will happen online, and only selected banks will issue the smart cards. This scheme is an important step by the Delhi government to make bus travel safer, easier, and digital for women and transgender people.