Women traveling for free on Delhi’s DTC and Cluster buses should note an important change.
From August 1, 2026, free travel will be available only through the Pink Saheli Smart Card.
The Delhi Transport Department has announced that paper Pink Tickets will no longer be accepted after July 31, 2026.
The government is moving to a fully digital system to make free travel more transparent and efficient.
The Delhi government has also set aside ₹450 crore in the 2026-27 budget to continue the free bus travel scheme and support the new digital system.
Over 15 Lakh Smart Cards Already Issued
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said that more than 15 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards have already been issued.
According to the government, the digital system will provide real-time data on women passengers.
This information will help improve bus services and strengthen women’s safety by understanding travel patterns across different routes.
Who Can Apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
The free travel card is available only to women who are residents of Delhi.
To apply, applicants must have:
A Delhi address
A Delhi Aadhaar card
A mobile number linked to Aadhaar
Girls and women aged 12 years and above are eligible to apply for the card.
Why Is the Government Ending Paper Pink Tickets?
More than 10 lakh women travel daily on DTC and Cluster buses in Delhi.
Many of them still use paper Pink Tickets.
Until now, both paper tickets and smart cards were accepted.
However, the government has decided to shift completely to the digital system from August 1.
Officials say this move will help track passenger numbers in real time, reduce fake ticket usage, improve route planning, and make subsidy payments more transparent.
How to Apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card Online
Eligible women can apply through the Delhi Transport Department’s website or mobile app by following these steps:
Visit the Delhi Transport Department website.
Select the Pink Saheli Smart Card / NCMC Women Card option.
Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
Verify your mobile number using the OTP.
Fill in the application form and upload the required documents, including your Aadhaar card and photograph.
Submit the application. After approval, the smart card will either be delivered by post or made available at the designated collection centre.
Women can also apply offline by submitting the required documents at selected bus depots and Transport Department counters.
₹450 Crore Budget to Support the New System
The Delhi government has allocated ₹450 crore in its 2026-27 Budget to continue the free bus travel scheme for women.
The funds will be used to provide operational subsidies and strengthen the NCMC-based digital system, ensuring smoother services and better management of the scheme in the future.
