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Key Points

The Delhi government is rolling out the Saheli Smart Card to provide free bus travel for women and transgender individuals starting August 15. This new scheme replaces the AAP's Pink Ticket system which saw over 150 crore tickets issued since 2019. The BJP has criticized the previous scheme, alleging massive financial mismanagement under AAP's administration. The initiative aims to boost public transport usage while supporting gender-inclusive mobility.

Key Points: Delhi Launches Saheli Smart Card for Women Transgender Free Bus Travel

  • Scheme replaces AAP's Pink Ticket system from 2019
  • Covers women and transgender individuals aged 12+
  • Expected launch on Independence Day
  • BJP alleges Rs 70,471 crore mismanagement under AAP
3 min read

Delhi to introduce 'Saheli Smart Card' for women, transgenders to avail free bus travel

Delhi introduces Saheli Smart Card replacing Pink Tickets, offering free bus rides for women and transgender commuters from August 15.

"Women and transgender persons residing in Delhi aged 12 and above will be able to travel free of cost on DTC and Cluster buses – Government Source"

New Delhi, July 8

Delhi government will be rolling out the 'Saheli Smart Card' for women and transgender people, allowing them to travel the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses for free of cost.

According to sources, the Saheli Smart Card scheme is expected to be rolled out on August 15, Independence Day.

The scheme is meant to replace the 'Pink Ticket' system which was launched by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government. Pink passes were given to the resident women of Delhi and bus operators were compensated according to the number of tickets sold.

"Women and transgender persons residing in Delhi aged 12 and above will be able to travel free of cost on DTC and Cluster buses," according to the source.

The 'Pink Ticket' scheme was launched by AAP in 2019. According to the Delhi government's own data, a total of 100 crore pink tickets had been issued to women till the end of January 2023. By November 2024, over 150 crore pink tickets were issued.

"In 2022, free travel for women via Pink tickets contributed to nearly 32 per cent of the total number of passengers travelling in a month," the statement said.

"In 2019-20, Delhi buses had a ridership of more than 160 crores. Due to COVID in the years 2020 and 2021, it dropped to 71 crores in 2020-21, slightly recovering to 93 crores in 2021-22. Since April 2022 till today, it has reached nearly 125 crores, almost 75 per cent of the pre covid numbers," the statement added.

However on March 29, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government had claimed that the scheme had been mismanaged, along with the whole Delhi Transport Corporation, which led to a loss of Rs 70,471 crore.

"They (AAP) turned a profitable department into a loss-making one. DTC suffered a loss of Rs 70,471 crore. There was an operational loss of Rs 14,198 crore. Buses were run on only 468 routes out of 814. Money was spent only on advertisements. Even the Rs 233 crore received from the Centre was not spent. There used to be 4344 buses, but during their tenure, the number reduced to 3937," Delhi CM said in the Assembly.

CM Rekha Gupta was referencing a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) which suggested that due to the government's mismanagement and negligence, crores of rupees from Delhi taxpayers have been wasted. This report is now being referred to the Committee on Government Undertakings with instructions to submit its report within three months.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the intention is good, I'm concerned about the financial burden on taxpayers. The CAG report shows massive losses. Shouldn't we focus on improving bus services first?
A
Ananya R
Inclusion of transgender community is commendable! 👏 Finally some recognition for their right to public transport. Hope other states follow Delhi's example.
V
Vikram M
The scheme is good but implementation matters. Last time many buses didn't accept pink tickets properly. Hope this smart card system has better monitoring and grievance redressal.
S
Shreya B
My college-going daughter saves ₹40 daily thanks to this scheme. It's a big help for middle-class families. But yes, the government must ensure funds are used properly.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see Delhi's public transport initiatives. In London we have similar schemes but with better infrastructure. Hope Delhi improves bus maintenance too.
K
Kavya N
Why only Delhi buses? Should include metro too! Many working women like me use metro more than buses. Government should think about expanding the scheme.

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