Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Delhi Makes Pink Saheli Card Mandatory for Free Bus Travel
Women who live in Delhi can ride DTC and cluster buses for free, but they now need a Pink Saheli Smart Card.
The rule applies to both air-conditioned and regular buses.
Transgender people who live in Delhi are included too.
Anyone who does not qualify for free rides can still take the bus by paying the fare.
The card replaced the paper pink tickets.
Officials say about 19 lakh women have used the card since it launched in March.
People who have not registered can still apply for a card.
The government plans to tell people about the change through announcements and media.
Delhi has notified that women residents must use a Pink Saheli Smart Card to travel free on DTC and cluster buses.
The requirement applies to air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses and also covers transgender Delhi residents.
Passengers who are not eligible for free travel, or who choose not to use the free facility, may buy tickets at the applicable fare.
The rule was introduced under the Delhi Transport Corporation (Free and Concessional Passes) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026.
Officials said about 19 lakh women have used the card since its launch in March, and registration and card issuance remain available.
- Who
- Women residents of Delhi and transgender persons who are residents of Delhi.
- What
- The Pink Saheli Smart Card is required to claim free travel on DTC and cluster buses; passengers may instead buy a ticket at the applicable fare.
- When
- The notification was reported on Sunday; the card was launched in March 2026, and the department had earlier set September 30 as the start of mandatory use.
- Where
- DTC and cluster buses in Delhi, including AC and non-AC buses.
- Why
- The notification makes the smart card the required means of accessing the free travel facility.
Free travel access
Card requirement
How eligible passengers access free rides
Free travel access
The free travel facility remains available to women residents and transgender residents of Delhi.
Card requirement
Eligible passengers can use the free facility only with the Pink Saheli Smart Card; otherwise, they may buy a ticket at the applicable fare.
- Eligible riders
- Women residents of Delhi; the provisions also apply to transgender residents.
- Required card
- Pink Saheli Smart Card, based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC).
- Covered services
- DTC and cluster buses, both AC and non-AC.
- Fare option
- Passengers may purchase a ticket at the applicable fare.
- Regulation
- Delhi Transport Corporation (Free and Concessional Passes) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026.
- Reported card use
- Around 19 lakh women have used the smart-card facility since its launch.
- Registration
- Registration and card issuance remain available for women who have not yet registered.