There is welcome news for women in Delhi. The paper ‘Pink Ticket’ issued for free travel on DTC and Cluster buses will now remain valid until September 30. The Delhi Transport Department has decided to continue the paper ticket system for the time being, extending the deadline for making the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ mandatory. Consequently, eligible female passengers can continue to travel on buses without paying a fare until September 30.
Initially, the plan was to make the Pink Saheli Smart Card mandatory for free travel starting September 18. However, following an order issued on Thursday, this measure has been postponed for a few days. Eligible women traveling on DTC and Cluster buses will now continue to enjoy free travel using the paper-based Pink Ticket until September 30.
Smart Card Mandatory from October 1
Under the new system, the Pink Saheli Smart Card will become mandatory for women’s free bus travel starting October 1, 2026. During the journey, female passengers will be required to tap their smart card on the machine installed on the bus to avail of the free travel facility.
If a woman does not possess a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card, she will have to purchase a ticket like a regular passenger and pay the applicable fare.
Deadline Extended Previously as Well
The deadline for implementing the Pink Saheli Smart Card has been extended previously too. On September 1, the government had extended the paper Pink Ticket system in view of festivals like Janmashtami, Teej, and Ganesh Chaturthi. At that time, it was announced that the smart card system would be implemented after September 17.
Prior to that, the plan was to make the Pink Saheli Smart Card mandatory starting August 16. Now, the decision has been made once again to continue the paper ticket facility until September 30.
Where Can One Get the Pink Saheli Smart Card Made?
Women can apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card at designated centers located at DTC bus depots and bus terminals. Additionally, over 50 authorized centers have been set up across Delhi where the smart card can be obtained. It is reported that approximately 18 lakh ‘Pink Saheli’ smart cards have been distributed so far. To apply for the card, the woman must be a resident of Delhi.
Documents required to obtain the card
To obtain the ‘Pink Saheli’ smart card, the female applicant must present a valid identity proof; documents such as an Aadhaar card or Voter ID are accepted for this purpose. A passport-sized photograph is also required during the application process.
Why is the paper ‘Pink Ticket’ system being discontinued?
The Delhi government states that the objective behind replacing the paper ticket system with the smart card system is to make free bus travel digital and more transparent. According to the government, the smart card will enable the digital recording of passenger identities and records of free travel.
The government has also alleged irregularities and corruption within the ‘Pink Ticket’ scheme implemented by the previous Aam Aadmi Party administration. Proponents of the new system argue that digital records will allow for better monitoring of free travel and help curb potential revenue losses.
For the time being, women will continue to avail of free travel on DTC and Cluster buses using paper ‘Pink Tickets’ until September 30. From October 1, free travel facilities will not be available without the ‘Pink Saheli’ smart card.
