Free travel for women is available on DTC buses in Delhi, but the method of travel will soon change. The paper pink ticket, previously issued by the conductor, may be discontinued shortly. The Delhi government may issue a corresponding notification, after which women will need to carry a 'Pink Saheli Smart Card' for free bus use.
The Delhi Transport Department had previously stated that smart cards would become mandatory for free travel starting October 1st. Although the service of the pink paper ticket from the conductor has been repeatedly extended, the government is now transitioning from a paper ticket system to using smart cards.
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh announced that a relevant notification will be issued soon, after which the Pink Saheli Card will become mandatory. He specified that approximately 1.9 million such cards have been issued so far. According to a senior DTC official, an information campaign will be conducted among women over the next ten days to inform passengers about the necessity of obtaining a Pink Saheli Card, thereby preventing potential inconvenience when using buses after the new system is introduced.
The Pink Saheli Card is available for women residing in Delhi, as well as for members of the transgender community. The minimum age to obtain the card is 5 years. To apply, one must provide details such as phone number, name, and Aadhaar passport. Initial card issuance is free. However, in case of loss or damage, a new copy will cost 59 rupees, including GST. The card is valid for five years from the date of issue.
The Pink Saheli Card can be obtained both offline and online. For an offline application, one must visit a DTC center, DM office, or SDM office and provide the agent with information regarding their name, mobile number, and Aadhaar details. After verification via OTP, the card may be issued on the same day. An online application can be submitted by entering the mobile number and Aadhaar details on MufinPay. After OTP verification, a QR confirmation can be downloaded, and then the physical card can be collected at an authorized DTC center.
The Pink Saheli Smart Card can be used for free travel on DTC buses and cluster buses. Furthermore, it can be used as a travel pass on the Delhi Metro and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. However, travel on the metro and RRT will not be free; to use these services, the card balance must first be topped up. The amount can be added by scanning the QR code on the back of the card through the UPI application. To top up the balance in the Delhi Metro, an AVM machine at the metro station must be used.
If you use DTC or cluster buses in Delhi and wish to continue using the subsidized fare, you may need to obtain a Pink Saheli Card. The card can be obtained at about 50 authorized centers. Since the initial card issuance is free, it will be easy for passengers to do so in time.