Delhi Women Bus Travel: Pink Smart Card Mandatory from August 1, 2026 – Exclusions and Gaps Emerge
Women commuters in Delhi will require the ‘Saheli Pink National Common Mobility Card’, commonly known as the Pink Saheli Smart Card, to travel free of charge on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses from August 1, 2026. Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh announced that paper pink tickets will remain valid only until July 31, after which the smart card becomes the sole mode for free travel.
The policy shift aims to streamline beneficiary management and enhance transparency, according to the Minister. However, it raises concerns about excluding women without a Delhi domicile and difficulties faced by transgender persons, who were initially included but have reported obstacles in obtaining the card.
“Pink tickets will remain valid till July 31. From August 1, women possessing the Pink Saheli Smart Card will continue to travel free of cost. So far, 15 lakh cards have been issued, and the process will continue at DTC depots and notified centres. The government will ensure that no eligible beneficiary is deprived,” Mr. Singh said.
The smart card system was announced in the Delhi Budget 2025, replacing the paper ticket system introduced by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. It was rolled out in March 2025 with an initial three-month transition period, later extended.
Following the launch, long queues formed at depots as women sought the cards. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appealed to them not to panic, assuring continued issuance while paper tickets were gradually phased out.
Commuters have flagged systemic gaps in implementation. Women without a Delhi address on their Aadhaar cards—including those commuting from neighbouring cities like Noida—face exclusion. Under the earlier system, all women, irrespective of domicile, could travel free.
“I come from Noida to Saket for coaching. I do not have a Delhi address. I can travel free now, but from next month I will have to pay,” said Ritika, a student.
Cardholders also report operational issues. Latika, who travels between Zakhira flyover and Paharganj, said the card allows only 45–60 minutes between taps. “I have to change multiple buses within an hour, so I end up paying for part of the journey,” she said, adding that machines often fail to read the card.
Transgender persons have faced particular hurdles. Earlier reports indicated only one transgender person had been issued the card since its launch, allegedly because their Aadhaar listed their gender as transgender. Vaishali, a transgender person, said they were denied at a depot. “I have ‘transgender’ on my Aadhaar card. The staff told me the card was only for ‘females’,” they said.
The Transport Department did not respond to requests for comment on these issues.
The Minister emphasised that the transition to smart cards would improve implementation and transparency while ensuring uninterrupted benefits for eligible beneficiaries.
