Saheli Pink Smart Card: Big news for female bus passengers. Since 2019, women in Delhi have enjoyed free bus rides on DTC and cluster buses. However, a significant update has been introduced to this initiative. The Delhi government has announced that, effective September 1, 2026, only women who possess a Saheli Pink Smart Card will qualify for free bus travel. Women without this card will need to pay the standard fare. This leads to the question: which women will not be issued a Saheli Pink Smart Card? We’re here to clarify these points.
Who is eligible for the free bus service?
Under this program, the Saheli Pink Smart Card is exclusively available to women and transgender individuals who are permanent residents of Delhi. To obtain this card, applicants must be at least 5 years old, and starting September 1, 2026, the Pink Saheli Smart Card will be essential for free travel.
Which women are ineligible for the free bus service?
Women who are not permanent residents of Delhi or lack a permanent Delhi address or voter ID card will not be able to take advantage of this scheme. In fact, families of women who migrate from other states to Delhi may qualify for this program if they have secured their Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter card, and established a permanent address in Delhi.
However, some women may have lived in Delhi for many years but have not obtained a permanent address or voter card because they believe they can only vote in their home state or feel a Delhi ID is unnecessary. Such women will not be able to benefit from this scheme.
Remember, if you do not possess a Pink Saheli Smart Card, you will incur the regular fare on DTC and cluster buses after September 1, 2026. If you wish to obtain a Pink Smart Card, ensure you have your permanent Delhi residence certificate and then apply for a Saheli Pink Smart Card.