The Delhi government has introduced the Pink Saheli Smart Card to make travel more accessible, secure, and convenient for women, girls, and transgender individuals. This new initiative allows free travel on DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) and cluster buses, offering a safe and easy way to commute for those who have faced challenges in public transportation.
On November 2, 2025, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially launched the Pink Saheli Smart Card. During the launch, she urged women and girls to register online for the card. The chief minister emphasized that this initiative would provide a new, empowering travel experience for women and girls, ensuring their safety and independence while traveling across the city.
What is the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a personalized smart card specifically designed for women and transgender individuals. It will display the cardholder’s name and photo, offering free travel on DTC and cluster buses. In addition to free travel, the card also allows for recharging and top-ups, ensuring that it can be used for future transportation systems as well.
The card is part of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework, which will make it compatible with other public transport systems in the city. This will make it easier for users to travel across multiple modes of transportation without needing separate passes for each.
How to Register for the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
Residents of Delhi who are above the age of 12 can apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card. Registration can be done online through the Delhi government’s official website or the Saheli Card Portal. Applicants must provide proof of residence in Delhi, along with an identity document, to complete the registration process.
The card is designed to ensure that only genuine Delhi residents can access its benefits, preventing misuse by outsiders. It will replace the old pink paper tickets given to women, which often faced issues of misuse and irregularities.
Why Was the Card Introduced?
The introduction of the Pink Saheli Smart Card aims to encourage more women and transgender individuals to use public transportation without hassle. It addresses both safety concerns and convenience, providing a reliable and easy way for women to travel freely. Previously, women were given paper tickets that were prone to misuse. The Pink Saheli Smart Card ensures that only eligible Delhi residents benefit from the free travel, improving transparency and reducing fraudulent practices.
DTC’s Readiness for Implementation
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has fully prepared for the implementation of the Pink Saheli Smart Card. Currently, DTC operates 3,266 buses across 44 bus depots, including 1,950 electric buses and 1,694 CNG buses, operating 24×7. To issue these cards, DTC has partnered with financial institutions and banks, ensuring the initiative runs smoothly for the next five years.
A Step Forward for Women’s Empowerment
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a significant step in making Delhi a more women-friendly city. Not only does it make traveling easier, but it also offers safety, respect, and convenience for women and transgender individuals. This initiative reflects the Delhi government’s commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality. By ensuring that women and transgender people can travel freely and safely, the government is moving closer to building a city that prioritizes women’s rights and opportunities.
This card also contributes to the larger vision of creating a “Nari Shakti” or women’s power movement, fostering a society where women can thrive independently and safely in all aspects of life. Through this scheme, the Delhi government is making significant strides towards making public spaces more inclusive and supportive for women and transgender people.
