No more paper tickets. No more queues. Just tap and travel — completely free. Delhi’s biggest women’s transport upgrade is finally here. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Delhi Pink Saheli Smart Card?
The Saheli Pink Smart Card is a contactless NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) introduced by the Government of NCT of Delhi to provide seamless and dignified free bus travel to Delhi resident women. It replaces the existing paper-based free travel tickets with a modern smart card system.
The Delhi Government launched the Pink Saheli Smart Card on March 2, 2026, replacing paper tickets for free bus travel. This NCMC card offers women and transgender residents unlimited rides on DTC and Cluster buses, with Metro integration.
In simple terms — if you are a woman or transgender resident of Delhi, this card gives you free, unlimited travel on all DTC and Cluster buses for life. No ticket. No payment. Just tap and go.
Who Launched It & Why?
President Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, inaugurated the Saheli Pink National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) on March 2, 2026.
On the same day, CM Rekha Gupta also launched the “Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana” and “Free LPG Cylinder Yojana” alongside the Pink Saheli Smart Card — making it a landmark day for women’s welfare in Delhi.
The motivation behind the scheme is clear — Pink Saheli Smart Card 2026 is a permanent travel ticket offered by DTC that replaces the zero-value pink tickets which allowed women to travel free since 2019. The old system was manual, slow and open to misuse. This digital upgrade changes all of that.
Eligibility — Who Can Apply?
The card is available to residents of Delhi who meet the following criteria — applicants must be women or transgender individuals, must be verified residents of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, and must be 5 years of age or older.
Girls, women, and transgender persons aged 12 years and above can avail free bus travel under this scheme. However, they can travel free only in DTC and Cluster buses operating within Delhi.
Quick Eligibility Checklist:
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Gender | Women & Transgender individuals |
| Age | 5 years and above |
| Residency | Must be a Delhi resident (NCT) |
| Card per person | Only 1 card per Aadhaar |
| Travel benefit | Free on DTC & Cluster buses only |
Benefits — How Much Will You Save?
This scheme is a massive financial relief for daily commuters in Delhi.
Women who travel regularly may save about ₹1,200 to ₹2,400 every month. The card eliminates the need for carrying multiple cards and enables women to board buses faster with a one-tap system.
Beyond just money, here are all the benefits packed into one card:
- Free unlimited travel on all DTC and Cluster buses across Delhi
- Delhi Metro & RRTS compatible — recharge the card and use it for metro travel too
- Photo + QR code on the card for instant verification and anti-fraud protection
- App integration — track journeys, recharge and plan travel via the Delhi Transport App
- Eco-friendly — reduces paper waste from thousands of daily paper tickets
- Data-driven routes — travel data helps the government plan better bus routes
The card offers lifetime and unrestricted travelling in all government buses within Delhi to eligible women and transgender users.
Documents Required
Keep these ready before you visit the application centre:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity and age verification)
- Address Proof showing Delhi residency
- Passport-size photograph (recent)
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
Important: Only one card is issued per Aadhaar. Verification is conducted on the spot, and the card is issued over the counter after successful authentication.
How to Apply for Pink Saheli Smart Card 2026
Offline Mode (Currently Active — Only Way to Apply)
There is no online application for this card. You have to visit an authorised centre in person. Visit any of the 50 authorized centres across Delhi including DM Offices, SDM Offices, or designated DTC centres. Carry your Aadhaar card and address proof. The card will be issued on the spot after Aadhaar verification.
Step 1 → Find your nearest authorised Pink Saheli Card distribution centre
Step 2 → Visit between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on any weekday
Step 3 → Carry your Aadhaar card, address proof and passport photo
Step 4 → Complete on-the-spot Aadhaar verification
Step 5 → Receive your Pink Saheli Smart Card immediately at the counter
Online Mode (Coming Soon)
To apply online, visit the official Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) website or the dedicated Pink Saheli portal. Register using a valid mobile number, fill in your personal details exactly as per your Aadhaar, upload scanned copies of required documents and a passport-size photo, then submit. Once approved, the smart card is dispatched via Speed Post to your registered address within 7–10 working days.
Where Are the 50 Application Centres?
The Delhi Government has established 50 distribution counters across the city where eligible women and transgender beneficiaries can apply for and collect their NCMC Saheli Pink Smart Card after Aadhaar and mobile number verification. Counters are open from 9 AM to 5 PM on all weekdays.
Centres are located at:
- District Magistrate (DM) Offices — all districts
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Offices
- Select Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) depots
For the complete district-wise list of all 50 centres, visit the official DTC website at dtc.delhi.gov.in
Can You Use It for Delhi Metro?
Yes — but with one important difference.
The beneficiary can also use this smart card in other public transport systems such as the Delhi Metro and RRTS. However, she must pay the regular fare while using Metro or RRTS services because the government provides free travel only in DTC and Cluster buses.
So think of it as an all-in-one transport card — free for buses, paid for Metro with the same card.
Are Old Pink Paper Tickets Still Valid?
Yes — for now.
Women can continue using the old pink paper tickets until they receive their new smart card. Card distribution started from March 3, 2026.
But don’t wait too long — get your smart card as soon as possible to enjoy the benefits of the new system.
Pink Saheli Smart Card 2026 — FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the Pink Saheli Smart Card? All women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 5 years and above.
Q. Is the bus travel really free? Yes — completely free on all DTC and Cluster buses in Delhi with no ticket required.
Q. Can I apply online? Currently, only offline applications are accepted at 50 authorised centres. Online registration is expected to launch soon.
Q. How long does it take to get the card? If applying offline, the card is issued on the spot. Online applicants receive it via Speed Post within 7–10 working days.
Q. Can I use the card for Delhi Metro? Yes, but metro travel is not free. You need to recharge the card to use it on the metro.
Q. Is there any fee for this card? No. The Pink Saheli Smart Card is completely free of cost for eligible applicants.
Q. What happens to my old pink paper ticket? It remains valid until you get your new smart card. After receiving the smart card, use that going forward.
Stay updated on all Delhi government schemes and benefits for women at delhincrtimes.com
