Pink Saheli Smart Card: Delhi Women Get Free Bus Travel, Know What Changes From October 2026

Delhi’s Pink Saheli Smart Card scheme is moving women’s free bus travel to a digital system, with CM Rekha Gupta saying over 18.75 lakh cards have been issued. Know the October 2026 transition and key changes.

The free bus travel scheme for women in Delhi is heading towards the introduction of a digital process with the help of the Pink Saheli Smart Card. The chief minister Rekha Gupta announced on Monday that the total number of Pink Saheli Smart Cards distributed so far exceeds 18.75 lakh.

The program intends to facilitate the process of providing free bus rides to eligible women and make the transport sector more technology-oriented in the capital city.

What Is Pink Saheli Smart Card Scheme?

The Pink Saheli Smart Card is being used for providing free travel to eligible women and transgender passengers in DTC and cluster buses. Rather than getting a paper Pink Ticket for each ride, the passengers are allowed to make a tap with the card.

According to the documentation of DTC, the card is the NCMC-based mobility card related to the free travel service for women and transgender passengers.

More than 18.75 Lakh Cards Issued

As per CM Rekha Gupta, there are over 18.75 Lakh cards which have been issued. This particular figure reflects a marked rise from what has been reported earlier this year.

In May 2026, the government of Delhi claimed that 8,40,618 Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been issued until May 18. Card distribution was taking place via the offices of DTC, SDM and special camps at 73 locations.

Subsequently, the government extended the drive with issuance of cards crossing 18 Lakh mark by the month of August.

Free Bus Ride Facility for Women in Delhi

Those ladies who travel in buses for their education, employment, business or any other work purpose will definitely be benefitted from this free-travel facility. The use of smart cards is meant to streamline this whole process.

CM Rekha Gupta has linked the whole issue with the movement of women, education and career prospects of women.

From Pink Tickets to Smart Cards

The Smart Card denotes a change from the earlier paper Pink Ticket process adopted by women during the free bus journeys.

According to reports, the paper Pink Ticket service will be continued up to September 30, 2026, after which the Pink Saheli Smart Card will be made mandatory from October 1, 2026, for the women to enjoy the free bus journey facility.

As a result, procuring the smart card becomes very important for women eligible for enjoying the benefit.

A Move Towards Digital Public Transportation

The smart card based on the NCMC has been created with the intent to use it in an interoperable manner, and the intention behind it is making the public transport in Delhi more digital.

Over 18.75 lakh smart cards have already been issued.