New Delhi: The rules regarding free bus travel for women in Delhi are set to change starting August 1, 2026. Women in Delhi will no longer receive free tickets without the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’; the old paper tickets will remain valid only until July 31, 2026. If you haven’t obtained your new smart card yet, get it done immediately; otherwise, from August 1, you will have to pay for regular tickets out of your own pocket. Read on to learn what the Pink Saheli Smart Card is, how to apply for it, and what its benefits are.
What is the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a digital card based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) technology. It has been launched to make free bus travel for women in Delhi more convenient. Starting August 1, conductors will no longer issue free tickets directly; instead, you will need to tap your Pink Saheli Smart Card on the machine installed on the bus or held by the conductor. Your free ‘pink ticket’ will be generated only after tapping the card.
Benefits of the Pink Saheli Smart Card
You will no longer need to keep track of paper tickets. A simple tap is all it takes to secure your ticket.
This new system will help the government maintain data—such as the number of women traveling and the routes used—enabling improvements to the bus service.
Since the card is based on National Common Mobility Card technology, it may offer additional benefits in the future.
How to apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
Here is how women can apply for this card. It is important to clarify that the free bus facility is exclusively for women residing in Delhi; standard rules apply to women from other states, meaning they must purchase tickets for their journeys.
Women can visit the Transport Department’s website or app and navigate to the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ section. Applications can be submitted by uploading an Aadhaar card, age proof, and a photograph.
An offline application method is also available. You can obtain this card by visiting a nearby bus depot or counter and submitting the required documents, such as a photocopy of your Aadhaar card and a passport-sized photograph.
Depot managers have already been instructed to train all conductors on this new machine and system. Therefore, make sure to get your card made before July 31st to avoid any issues while traveling from August 1st onwards.
