New Delhi: Women travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation buses will need a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card to claim free travel from August 1, 2026. Passengers
without the card will have to buy a regular ticket and pay the normal fare.
DTC announced the change on Friday, July 10, as part of its shift from paper-based pink tickets to a digital smart card system. The move affects women using DTC and Department of Transport cluster buses across Delhi.
Pink paper tickets valid only till July 31
Conductors will continue issuing pink paper tickets under the existing system until July 31. Women can travel free during this period even if they have not received the smart card yet.
The process changes from August 1. A woman passenger must carry a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card and tap it while boarding or travelling on the bus.
DTC said, “With effect from August 1, pink tickets shall be issued only to those women passengers who are in possession of a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card (NCMC).”
This means forgetting the card at home could now lead to an unexpected ticket expense. A regular commuter rushing for office, college or the market may have to pay the fare even if she is already registered under the scheme.
What women passengers need to know
The Delhi Government launched the Pink Saheli Smart Card in March 2026. It is based on the National Common Mobility Card system and is meant to replace the older paper ticket arrangement.
From August 1:
- Women must carry a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card
- The card must be tapped during the bus trip
- Passengers without the card must purchase a normal ticket
- The rule applies to DTC and cluster buses
The free bus travel scheme for women is continuing. The way passengers access the benefit is changing.
DTC said the paper ticket system will be gradually phased out. Women who regularly use Delhi buses now have around three weeks to arrange the card before the new rule takes effect.
