Saheli Pink Smart Card: Since 2019, women in Delhi have been availing free bus services on DTC and cluster buses. However, a major change has now been introduced to this scheme. The Delhi government has clarified that starting September 1, 2026, only eligible women holding the ‘Saheli Pink Smart Card’ will be able to avail the benefit of free bus travel. Women who do not possess this card will be required to pay the standard fare. This raises the question: which women will not be eligible for the Saheli Pink Smart Card? Here, we address these very questions.
Who can avail the benefit of free bus service?
According to the scheme, the Saheli Pink Smart Card can only be issued to women and transgender individuals who are permanent residents of Delhi. Additionally, applicants must be at least 5 years old, and the Pink Saheli Smart Card will become mandatory for free travel starting September 1, 2026.
Which women cannot avail the benefit of free bus service?
Women who are not permanent residents of Delhi—or who do not possess documents establishing a permanent Delhi address or a Delhi Voter ID—cannot avail the benefits of this scheme. While many women move to Delhi from other states and settle down—often obtaining a Delhi Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, and proof of permanent address—and thus become eligible for the scheme, there are others who have lived in Delhi for years without obtaining a local permanent address or Voter ID. This is often because they prefer to vote in their home states or feel they do not need Delhi-specific identification. Such women cannot avail the benefits of this scheme.
Please note that if you do not possess the Pink Saheli Smart Card, you will be required to pay the standard fare on DTC and cluster buses after September 1, 2026. In this case, if you wish to get a Pink Smart Card made, obtain proof of permanent residence in Delhi and then apply for the Saheli Pink Smart Card.
