New Delhi: The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is set to introduce ‘Saheli Smart Cards’ to replace the current pink ticket system, restricting free bus travel for women and transgender individuals to verified Delhi residents.
The decision comes under the newly formed BJP-led administration in Delhi, which aims to streamline welfare schemes by ensuring that only genuine residents benefit from them. The Saheli Smart Card will be mandatory for women and transgender individuals aged 12 years or older who wish to continue availing free travel on DTC and Cluster buses within the city.
Under the outgoing system introduced in 2019 by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, women could access free travel by simply obtaining a pink ticket, with no requirement for identification or proof of residence. Officials now argue that this open system allowed misuse by non-residents and failed to target the intended beneficiaries effectively.
The new system will offer two categories of smart cards:
Non-KYC Saheli Smart Cards: These cards can be issued based on valid proof of residence in Delhi. While they can be used in both DTC buses and the Delhi Metro, the free travel benefit will apply only to buses.
KYC-Compliant Saheli Smart Cards: Issued by banks, these cards will carry the user’s name and photograph and can be used as contactless payment cards. They will be compliant with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) guidelines, allowing for top-ups and multi-modal transport use, though free travel will remain limited to buses.
