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The Delhi government has started issuing the Saheli Pink Smart Card to provide free bus travel to women residents and enable seamless access to metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) services under the One Nation, One Card framework. The card replaces the earlier paper slip system used in DTC buses. Distribution began across nearly 50 centres in the city, with Aadhaar-based verification required for eligibility. On the first day, over 3,000 women collected the card. Authorities said the move will improve monitoring, reduce duplication, and simplify daily travel for women commuters.
The Delhi government has rolled out the Saheli Pink Smart Card to streamline free bus travel for women and integrate it with the capital's wider public transport network. The card allows eligible women residents to travel free of cost on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and cluster buses. It replaces the earlier system of issuing paper-based pink tickets inside buses. Advertisement
The smart card is also enabled under the One Nation, One Card system. While free travel is limited to buses, the same card can be used for paid journeys on the Delhi Metro and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). This integration allows women to use a single card across multiple transport modes instead of carrying separate tickets or tokens.
Distribution began at around 50 designated centres across Delhi. Women applying for the card must undergo Aadhaar-based verification to confirm residency. Officials stated that the card is issued after verification of documents at the centres. The transport department has coordinated with its technology partners to ensure that the cards are compatible with the automated fare collection systems used in buses and metro networks.
On the first day of distribution, more than 3,000 women received the Saheli Pink Smart Card. Officials indicated that the turnout was slightly lower due to Holi festivities, but the response was steady. Until full coverage is achieved, the existing paper ticket system will continue temporarily for women who have not yet obtained the card.
The government has stated that shifting to a digital card system will improve transparency in the free travel scheme. Authorities explained that the smart card will help track usage data more accurately, prevent duplication, and reduce operational leakages linked to manual ticketing. The initiative also aligns with efforts to modernise public transport systems and bring them under a unified payment structure.
The free bus ride scheme for women was first introduced in 2019, allowing them to travel without paying fares through pink tickets issued by conductors. With the introduction of the Saheli Pink Smart Card, the benefit continues but through a more structured and technology-based system.
Officials further conveyed that the aim is to make daily commuting safer and more convenient for women, especially those travelling for work, education and household responsibilities. The integration with metro and RRTS networks is expected to support smoother transfers between different modes of transport within the National Capital Region.
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