Delhi to Make Pink Saheli Smart Card Mandatory for Free Bus Travel from August 1

The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a digital travel card for women and transgender commuters in Delhi. From 1 August 2026, it will be mandatory for free bus travel on Delhi Transport Corporation and cluster buses, while pink paper tickets will remain valid only until 31 July 2026.

Scheme and launch details

The Pink Saheli Smart Card was launched on 2 March 2026 by President Droupadi Murmu. The card is linked to the Centre’s One Nation, One Card framework and the National Common Mobility Card platform. The scheme covers women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 12 years and above. Applicants need a Delhi Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number for registration.

Operational features

The card system is designed for digital validation of bus journeys on Delhi Transport Corporation and cluster buses. The Delhi government has stated that the card system will replace paper tickets for free travel after 31 July 2026.

• Passengers without a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card will have to buy regular tickets from 1 August 2026.
• The scheme uses digital tracking for bus journeys through the National Common Mobility Card ecosystem.
• The card is issued through designated centres in Delhi.

Issue and budget details

As of 18 May 2026, 840,618 Pink Saheli Smart Cards had been issued through 73 centres across Delhi. The Delhi government allocated Rs 450 crore in the 2026–27 Budget for the free bus travel scheme and its digital integration.

Important Facts for Exams

• Delhi Transport Corporation is the state-run bus operator of the Government of NCT of Delhi.
• The National Common Mobility Card is a contactless payment system used for public transport in India.
• President Droupadi Murmu launched the Pink Saheli Smart Card on 2 March 2026.
• Paper tickets for free travel under the scheme remain valid only until 31 July 2026.

Eligibility and application

Women and transgender residents of Delhi who are 12 years or older can apply for the card. A Delhi Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked mobile number are required for the application process.