Delhi Extends Pink Bus Tickets to August 31 Amid Shift to Pink Saheli Smart Cards

The Delhi government has extended the validity of its paper pink ticket facility until August 31, 2026, deferring the mandatory switch to the Aadhaar-linked Pink Saheli smart card for free travel on public buses.

Following an official order issued on August 15, the previous deadline of August 16 was pushed back by two weeks to enable a public awareness drive across bus depots, print media, and social media platforms. The Pink Saheli card, also known as the National Common Mobility Card, is set to become mandatory starting September for women and transgender persons using Delhi Transport Corporation and cluster buses.

While approximately 18 lakh smart cards have been issued across 50 designated centres—including District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices and select bus depots—the shift has raised challenges for outstation students and migrant workers from neighbouring regions, including Gurugram and Haryana. Registration strictly mandates an Aadhaar card with a Delhi address, creating barriers for daily commuters and temporary residents without local domicile proof.

Commuters traveling between the National Capital Region and Delhi have highlighted gaps in the rollout. Anita Devi, a domestic worker who travels from Gurugram to Delhi for work, noted that she spends ₹86 each day on metro fares. Although she holds a Pink Saheli card due to her original Delhi residency, the free travel benefit remains restricted to buses and cannot be used for metro journeys, leaving her daily transit costs unaffected.

Other migrant workers, including domestic help from Haryana and outstation college students living in rented accommodations, have reported being entirely unable to register for the smart card due to their non-Delhi Aadhaar addresses. Students and transport users have suggested allowing alternative identity documents, such as college fee receipts or employment records, as well as integrating metro services to make the welfare scheme accessible to all daily commuters.