Delhi implements new smart card rules for free women's bus travel

The Delhi government has introduced new regulations regarding free bus travel for women in DTC and cluster buses. Under the Delhi Transport Corporation (Free and Concessional Passes) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026, eligible female residents must now use the NCMC-based ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ to avail of free travel in both AC and non-AC buses. This policy also extends the free travel benefit to transgender residents of Delhi.

While the smart card is becoming the primary requirement for free transit, women still have the option to pay the applicable fare and purchase standard tickets. To facilitate the transition, authorities plan to increase awareness through announcements in depots, social media, and print media. Since the introduction of the smart card in March, approximately 1.9 million women have utilized the facility.

In a related development, the existing ‘Pink Ticket’ system, which allows conductors to issue free tickets to women, has been extended until October 10 to provide continued relief to daily commuters.