Delhi govt to launch ‘Saheli Smart Card’ for women’s free bus travel by mid-October

Delhi govt to launch ‘Saheli Smart Card’ for women’s free bus travel by mid-October

The Delhi government is set to roll out the registration process for its new ‘Saheli Smart Card’, a lifetime travel pass offering free bus rides to women and transgender residents, starting mid-October, news agency PTI reported citing a senior transport official.

The Pink Card initiative will replace the existing paper-based ticket system with a personalized smart card, valid for a lifetime, enabling seamless and secure travel across all DTC and Cluster buses.

Key Features of the card:

• Free lifetime bus travel on DTC and Cluster buses for women and transgender individuals aged 12 and above
• Name and photo-based identity to ensure secure, personalized usage
• Issued under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework
• Supports recharge and top-up for use on other transit systems (non-free travel)

• Applicants must be bona fide Delhi residents, aged 12+.
• Registration is fully online via the DTC portal.
• Users must choose a participating bank and complete full KYC verification at the selected branch.
• Required documents: Aadhaar, PAN, proof of Delhi address, passport photo, and bank-specified KYC documents.
• Post verification, the bank will dispatch the card to the registered address.

While the government will cover the cost of free travel, banks may levy a small issuance or maintenance fee, as per their individual policies.

In case of loss or damage, users must report it to the issuing bank for a possible replacement.

Before use, the card must be activated via DTC’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS). While it can be used on other transit modes after top-up, the free travel benefit is strictly limited to DTC and Cluster buses.