Delhi Transport Corporation Switches to Pink Saheli Smart Card for Free Women’s Bus Travel

From 1 August 2026 the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will stop issuing pink paper tickets and will require a Pink Saheli Smart Card for women and transgender residents of Delhi to travel for free on DTC and cluster buses. The contact‑less card, built on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) platform, carries the holder’s photo and a QR code and must be tapped at boarding. It replaces the previous system where a paper ticket was issued for each ride.

Eligibility covers all women and transgender persons aged 5 years and above who reside in Delhi and can present an Aadhaar card with a Delhi address. Applications can be made online or at over 50 authorised counters, where applicants must provide Aadhaar, a passport‑size photograph and a registered mobile number. The card is issued on the spot; no recharge is needed for free bus rides, though the same card can be topped up for paid travel on the Delhi Metro or RRTS.

Paper pink tickets remain valid until 31 July 2026 and will continue to be accepted for three months thereafter to give users time to obtain the new card. DTC officials say the digital system will improve transparency, reduce misuse and simplify data tracking. "Only Pink Saheli Smart Card holders will be eligible for free travel from 1 August. Others must purchase regular tickets," DTC notices state. The scheme is described as "a step towards ensuring safe and affordable public transport for women and transgender persons in Delhi."