# Delhi Pink Saheli Card Rollout and Ticket Extension > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/delhi-womens-pink-saheli-smart-card-program > Updated: 2026-08-16T08:52:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 4. In early August 2026, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) launched the Pink Saheli Smart Card, a contactless NCMC-based pass that replaces pink paper tickets for women and transgender commuters. The card is issued on the spot after an Aadhaar-linked application and initially provides free travel on DTC and cluster buses without the need for recharging. DTC later introduced two variants – a “Zero KYC” card that continues to grant instant free-bus rides, and a “Full KYC” card that can be loaded via bank transfers or UPI and used for payments on the Delhi Metro, Namo Bharat trains, and at retail outlets, turning the women-focused pass into a broader financial-inclusion tool. From 1 August, the Pink Saheli card became mandatory for women to travel free on DTC and cluster buses, with paper pink tickets cancelled after 31 July. To smooth the transition, the Delhi government extended the paper-ticket scheme until 15 August, allowing conductors to continue issuing pink tickets through that date. Following further adjustments, the government has now extended the use of paper-based ‘Pink Tickets’ until 31 August to provide relief to commuters ahead of the festive season and Raksha Bandhan. Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh stated the decision aims to ensure women can travel to visit family during festivals without inconvenience. As of mid-August, approximately 1.8 million smart cards have been distributed. Starting 1 September, the use of the Pink Saheli smart card will become mandatory to avail of the free travel facility. The transport department has been instructed to launch awareness campaigns via bus announcements, social media, and print media to encourage card adoption before the new deadline. There are currently 50 authorized centers available for card registration and application. ## Claims - From 1 August, the Pink Saheli smart card will be mandatory for free bus travel on DTC and cluster buses in Delhi. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Paper pink tickets will be discontinued after 31 July. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Pink Saheli Smart Card uses National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) technology. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The card can be used for metro travel, shopping malls and other digital payments beyond buses. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Eligible applicants are women residents of Delhi and transgender citizens of Delhi. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The government states the digital system will increase transparency, curb fake tickets and maintain digital journey records. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Full‑KYC cards function like debit cards, while a zero‑KYC version is also available. (single source) - Applications can be made at district magistrate offices, sub‑district magistrate offices and selected DTC depots, about 50 centers in total. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: Delhi government extends free bus travel for women via Pink Tickets until August 31 The Delhi government has extended the deadline for paper-based ‘Pink Tickets’ for free bus travel until August 31, making the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ mandatory starting September 1. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-government-extends-free-bus-travel-for-women-until-august-31 ### 2026-07-30: Delhi Extends Free Pink Ticket Scheme for Women on DTC Buses Until Aug 15 Delhi prolongs free pink tickets for women on DTC buses until Aug 15; smart cards become mandatory from Aug 16, with 1.7 million already issued. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-extends-free-pink-ticket-scheme-for-women-on-dtc-buses-until-aug-15 ### 2026-07-27: Delhi Makes Pink Saheli Smart Card Mandatory for Women's Free Bus Travel From 1 Aug, Delhi women must use the Pink Saheli smart card for free bus travel; paper tickets end, and the card will also work on metro, malls and digital payments. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-expands-womens-pink-sahheli-smart-card-to-metro-retail-payments ### 2026-07-10: Delhi Transport Corporation Switches to Pink Saheli Smart Card for Free Women’s Bus Travel From 1 Aug 2026 DTC will replace pink paper tickets with the mandatory Pink Saheli Smart Card for free bus travel by eligible women and transgender residents of Delhi. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delhi-transport-corporation-switches-to-pink-saheli-smart-card-for-free-womens-bus-travel --- Cite as: Delhi Pink Saheli Card Rollout and Ticket Extension. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/delhi-womens-pink-saheli-smart-card-program