What is the Pink Saheli Card? Free travel for women in Delhi, how to apply & more details — top things to know
Delhi government is expected to roll out a Pink Saheli card as the New Year 2026 has begun. The smart card will be mandatory for women availing free rides on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. The formalities for its implementation are close to completion.As the card can be rolled out anytime after January 14, it is important to know what a Pink Saheli Card is.What is a Pink Saheli Card?The Pink Saheli card is a proposed smart card introduced by the Delhi government to improve transparency and efficiency in the free bus travel scheme, which benefits nearly two crore women commuters every month. Designed for women travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, the card will be mandatory to avail free rides and will replace the paper-based pink tickets that have been in use since October 2019.Where to apply?The Delhi Transport Department has finalised two private vendors to issue the smart cards. Officials said the government will soon begin setting up counters across the city, at district magistrate (DM) and sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) offices, bus depots and Common Service Centres (CSCs) to ensure wide and easy access.Who is eligible?According to DTC officials, the Pink Saheli card will be issued exclusively to girls and women aged 12 years and above who are residents of Delhi.How to get the Pink Saheli Card?Women can avail the Pink Saheli card using their Delhi Aadhaar as proof of identity.How to use it?Commuters will need to tap the card on the electronic ticketing machine (ETM) to avail the free travel. The ETM will be available with the bus conductor.When will it be launched?If preparations proceed as planned, officials said the scheme could be formally launched any time after January 14, 2026.More categoriesApart from the Pink Saheli card, selected banks will also issue two other categories of smart cards.The second category will cater to bus pass holders across more than 12 groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, sportspersons, war widows and national award winners.The third category will be a general-purpose smart card for all commuters. It will be a prepaid card, requiring full KYC, including the passenger’s name and photograph. Users will have to pay a minimum of Rs 120 to avail it.Moreover, the card may also be interoperable with the Delhi Metro, although this is yet to be finalised, officials said.
