Pink Saheli Smart Card Mandatory For Free Women Bus Travel In Delhi From August 1

Women passengers in Delhi will be required to use the 'Pink Saheli' smart card to continue traveling for free on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Department of Transport (DoT) Cluster buses starting August 1, 2026. The Delhi government announced the decision on July 10, 2026, marking a transition that will phase out the existing paper-based pink ticket system.

Under the new mandate, women passengers who do not have the Pink Saheli smart card will no longer be issued free pink tickets. Instead, these commuters will be required to purchase normal tickets by paying the regular applicable fare to travel on the city's public buses.

According to the official DTC order, the paper-based pink tickets will only be issued to women passengers who present and tap a valid Pink Saheli smart card upon boarding. This tapping process is required for passengers to continue availing of the free bus service under the terms of the existing scheme.

The government decision to implement the mandate follows concerns among officials regarding the slow adoption rate of the smart cards by women commuters. To address this, the DTC has launched a targeted promotional drive across its bus fleet to advise female passengers to secure their cards before the transition deadline.

To help commuters transition smoothly, the Delhi government has established 50 authorized centers across the city where women can obtain the Pink Saheli smart cards. Eligible women can visit these notified centers and counters in accordance with directions issued by the transport department and the DTC.

Official records indicate that approximately 11 lakh Pink Saheli cards have already been distributed across Delhi. Authorities are aiming to increase this distribution to 13 lakh cards by the end of July, immediately preceding the date the card becomes mandatory.