From mid-January 2026, Pink Saheli Smart Card may become mandatory for women to travel free on Delhi buses

Here’s the Delhi government’s update on women’s free travel on DTC and cluster buses.

Mandatory Document
- Women must now carry a Pink Saheli Smart Card to avail free travel on DTC and cluster buses.
- To get this card, an Aadhaar card with a Delhi address is required.
- Eligibility: Women and girls aged 12 years or older, who are residents of Delhi.

Why the Change?
- The old paper pink ticket system (since 2019) is being phased out.
- Authorities found it lacked transparency and was prone to misuse.
- The smart card system ensures benefits reach only the intended passengers and allows the government to track usage.

How It Works
- Women will tap the Pink Saheli card on the conductor’s electronic ticketing machine when boarding.
- About 2 crore women currently use free bus travel monthly; they will now shift to this card.

Other Smart Cards
- Pink Saheli Card → Free travel for women.
- Special Smart Card → For senior citizens, persons with disabilities, athletes, widows of soldiers, and bus pass holders.
- General Smart Card → For all passengers, similar to a MetroCard (prepaid & rechargeable).

Where & When to Apply
- Cards will be issued at DM/SDM offices, bus depots, and Common Service Centres.
- Selected private banks will manage issuance and counters.
- Implementation expected anytime after January 14, 2026.
- After rollout, pink tickets will be discontinued.