No pink tickets without card: Delhi govt's push for Saheli cards for women's free bus travel

The amended rules will cover both AC and non-AC DTC and cluster buses, while transgender passengers will also remain eligible for the concession.

Updated on: Oct 4, 2026, 09:00:25 IST

By Snehil Sinha

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Women travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses will no longer be able to avail free travel through pink paper tickets from Sunday, as the Delhi government notified that the facility will be available only via Pink Saheli Smart Cards (NCMC).

More than 18.5 lakh Pink Saheli cards had been issued by September, according to Delhi government data. (HT)

The transport department issued a notification on Saturday, amending the Delhi Transport Corporation (Free and Concessional Passes) Regulations, 1985, after approval from Lieutenant Governor Tranjit Singh Sandhu. The amendment comes into force from October 4, Sunday.

Also read: Pink slips in Delhi buses continue as LG’s nod awaited for smart card implementation

Smart card made mandatory for free bus travel

A senior transport department official said the new rules mean women eligible for free travel must use their smart card to travel free on DTC and cluster buses.

“Women who do not have a card can travel by purchasing a ticket at the applicable fare,” the official said.

The notification states that women passengers and transgender people are eligible for free travel on both AC and non-AC DTC and cluster buses.

Also read: BEST fare hike adds ₹500 crore to revenue, trims losses

Cards issued after Aadhaar-based verification

The Delhi government had earlier announced that smart cards, launched in March, would be issued after Aadhaar-based verification to women with a Delhi address.

The ticket-based system allowed women travelling on DTC buses to travel for free, regardless of their place of residence.

According to government data, more than 1.85 million cards had been issued by September. The government has said the card will also function as a common mobility card for other public transport services after recharge.

The amended rules also clarify that women who are not eligible for the free-travel scheme can use DTC and cluster buses by purchasing tickets at the applicable fare.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Snehil Sinha
Snehil Sinha is an Assistant Editor with the Delhi Metro bureau of Hindustan Times, where she reports on politics, governance, public policy, urban infrastructure and transport, subjects that shape the everyday lives of millions in the national capital. Over a journalism career spanning 14 years, she has built a reputation for meticulous, data-driven reporting that combines on-ground perspectives with policy analysis. She began her career with The Indian Express before joining Hindustan Times, where she has reported extensively on civic administration and urban governance in Gurugram, Noida and now Delhi. Her reporting is distinguished by its clarity, depth and balance. Whether covering large-scale infrastructure projects, environmental challenges, transport reforms or government policy, she tries to translate complex administrative decisions into accessible, engaging stories without losing nuance. Her work reflects a strong command of public records, official data and field reporting, often connecting policy announcements with their impact on citizens. Her stories go beyond headlines to explain how governance decisions influence the city's growth, mobility and quality of life, making her work an important contribution to informed public discourse.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!

Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.