The iconic pink ticket, used by women for free travel in Delhi’s buses, is soon to be replaced by a more secure and digital alternative—the ‘Saheli Smart Card’. This card, equipped with modern mobility features, is set to be issued to all women and transgender individuals aged 12 and above who are residents of Delhi.

The Delhi government announced that the Saheli Smart Card will be linked with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), allowing it to be used not just in DTC and cluster buses but also in Delhi Metro and other public transport systems.

Key Highlights of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme

• The card will replace the current Pink Ticket system in Delhi's public bus transport.

• It will be available to women and transgender individuals aged 12 years or above.

• The card will include the name and photo of the beneficiary.

• It will be valid for free rides in DTC and cluster buses.

• Can also be recharged and used for travel in Delhi Metro and other NCMC-enabled systems.

• The scheme will launch with online registration via the DTC portal.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Saheli Smart Card, applicants must:

• Be a resident of Delhi.

• Be a woman or transgender person, aged 12 years or older.

• Provide a valid proof of residence in Delhi.

How to Register for the Saheli Smart Card

The registration process is fully online via the official DTC portal. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit the DTC website and click on the ‘Saheli Smart Card’ registration link.

2. Fill out the online form with your name, address, and personal details.

3. Select a preferred bank that issues NCMC-compliant cards.

4. Visit the selected bank branch for KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.

5. After successful verification, the smart card will be sent to your registered address.

Documents Required

Applicants will need the following documents:

• Aadhaar card

• PAN card

• Proof of residence in Delhi

• Passport-sized photograph

• Bank-specific KYC documents (may vary depending on the issuing bank)

Nominal Charges May Apply

While no fee will be charged for travel, officials have confirmed that banks may charge a small issuance or maintenance fee for the smart card. If the card is lost, a replacement can be issued by the bank as per their terms and conditions.

Activation Process Before Use

Before using the Saheli Smart Card, users must activate it via DTC’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS). Once activated, the card can be:

• Used freely in all DTC and cluster buses (no ticket needed)

• Topped up to use in Delhi Metro and other NCMC services

What the Government Says

A Delhi government official stated, “The Saheli Smart Card marks a new chapter in safe, paperless, and accessible public transport for Delhi’s women. This move aligns with our larger vision of digital empowerment and gender-sensitive urban mobility.”

With the BJP-led Delhi administration taking charge earlier this year, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had already hinted at discontinuing the pink ticket system in favor of a more secure, digital, and integrated solution. This rollout aligns with her transport modernization promises.

Future Prospects

According to sources, dedicated camps may also be set up in key residential areas and public locations to assist with on-the-spot registration and awareness.

The Saheli Smart Card aims to reduce fraud, improve transparency, and ensure that only eligible beneficiaries avail free ride facilities. Once fully rolled out, Delhi will become one of the first cities in India to have a gender-specific smart travel card linked to a national mobility network.