Delhi: Pink Saheli Smart Card to become compulsory from August 16; govt extends deadline for smooth transition
New Delhi, August 1
The Delhi Government has extended the deadline for the mandatory use of the Pink Saheli Smart Card for free travel in DTC and Transport Department buses.
Women can continue travelling with pink tickets until August 15, 2026. The smart card will become compulsory from August 16, 2026, to make the transition easier for commuters.
Earlier, the card was set to become mandatory from August 1, 2026. The government has now given women extra time to get their Pink Saheli Smart Card so that no one misses out on the free travel benefit.
Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the government is working to ensure a smooth and hassle-free shift to the new system.
He asked officials to spread awareness through bus depots, announcements, social media and print campaigns, while helping women apply for the card. As of July 31, 2026, more than 17 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards had already been issued.
The 'Pink Saheli Smart Card' operates on NCMC-based 'Tap-and-Go' technology. It allows women and transgender citizens to travel free on DTC buses. Passengers no longer need paper tickets, as the journey is automatically recorded by tapping the card on ETM machines.
The smart card is also designed for future payment-based use in the Metro and other public transport services. It can be recharged online easily, and passengers can access a digital travel record, making the entire process more transparent and convenient.
The scheme is available to all women and transgender residents of Delhi above the age of five years. It has reduced the financial burden on women and encouraged greater participation in public bus travel, making the commuting environment safer and more comfortable.
Experts estimate that the facility is helping women save between 1,200 and 2,400 every month, strengthening household finances as well.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, a smart move to modernise public transport! The tap-and-go system is so convenient, no more fumbling for tickets. But I hope they ensure the ETM machines are reliable and the servers don't crash during peak hours. Otherwise, it'll be a nightmare for daily commuters. Let's see how the transition goes from August 16.
I'm a student and travel by DTC daily. The Pink Saheli card has been a blessing—no more dealing with conductors who sometimes don't have change. 😅 But I'm worried about the digital divide. Many women in my neighbourhood don't have smartphones to recharge online. The government should set up more offline recharge counters at bus depots.
Good initiative overall, but as a taxpayer, I want transparency on how much this scheme costs the exchequer. Free travel for 17 lakh+ women is a massive subsidy. I hope the government has budgeted properly and isn't just doing this for electoral gains. Also, what about the harassment issues on buses? Women need safety, not just free tickets.
It's heartening to see such inclusive policies in Delhi. Extending the deadline shows they genuinely care about a smooth transition. The tap-and-go tech is similar to what we have in the UK for buses, it works really well. Hopefully, the city can integrate this with the Metro soon for seamless travel. Well done, Delhi! 👏
The 'Pink Saheli' name is nice, but I hope they're equally supportive of transgender citizens
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