Women in Delhi who use free bus travel on DTC buses will get some more time to get their Pink Saheli Smart Card.
The Delhi government has once again postponed the deadline for making the Pink Card mandatory.
The requirement was earlier scheduled to start on August 1, but was later pushed to August 16.
Now, according to sources, the government is preparing to make the Pink Card mandatory from August 28.
The change could also coincide with the release of the first ₹2,500 instalment under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana around Raksha Bandhan.
Over 18 Lakh Pink Cards Already Issued
The Delhi government wants to ensure that the free bus travel benefit is available specifically to eligible women living in Delhi.
For this purpose, Pink Cards are being issued to Delhi residents who have an Aadhaar card.
According to DTC officials, more than 18 lakh Pink Cards have already been issued.
The government is continuing the card distribution process through around 50 centres across Delhi, giving women more opportunities to obtain the card before the new deadline.
Why Are So Few Women Using the Pink Card?
Despite the large number of cards issued, many women are still travelling without using the Pink Card.
Sources estimate that around 6 lakh to 7 lakh women travel every day on DTC and cluster buses.
However, only around 15% to 17% of these women are currently using the Pink Card.
This low usage could be one of the reasons the government has extended the deadline and is giving more women time to obtain the card.
What Is the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is linked to Delhi’s free bus travel facility for women.
Earlier, women received paper-based pink tickets when travelling on DTC buses.
The government introduced the Pink Card to replace these paper tickets with a digital system.
Once the Pink Card becomes mandatory, women will need to use it to continue receiving the free travel benefit.
The deadline for getting the card has now reportedly been extended to August 28.
How Can Women Get the Pink Card?
Women can apply for the Pink Card through both online and offline methods.
For online applications, women can fill out the required form through the Delhi Transport Department’s official website or the One Delhi app.
Applicants generally need to provide an identity document and a passport-size photograph.
For those who prefer the offline method, applications can be submitted at special counters set up at major DTC bus depots and metro stations across Delhi.
In some locations, eligible applicants can receive the card immediately after completing the required process.
Women who regularly use free DTC bus services should get the Pink Card before the expected August 28 deadline to avoid any inconvenience once the mandatory rule comes into effect.
