New Delhi News: Women passengers in Delhi can continue to avail free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses using paper-based pink tickets until August 31, after the Delhi government
extended the facility by another fortnight.
An official order issued on Saturday, August 15, confirmed the extension, which is the second postponement in recent weeks as the government works to ensure a smooth transition from paper tickets to the digital Pink Saheli Smart Card system.
Pink Tickets Extended Till August 31
The Pink Saheli Smart Card was originally scheduled to become mandatory from August 16. However, transport authorities have now given women passengers additional time to obtain the digital cards. During the extended period, women can continue to receive paper-based pink tickets and travel free of charge on DTC and cluster buses, as reported by Swarajya.
The latest extension follows an earlier postponement announced in late July, when the mandatory smart card requirement was pushed from August 1 to August 16.
Around 18 Lakh Smart Cards Distributed
Around 1.8 million Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been distributed across Delhi so far. The government is aiming to increase the number of cards issued by the end of August before the paper-ticket facility comes to an end.
The additional time is intended to allow more women commuters to obtain the smart cards and become familiar with the new digital system before it becomes compulsory.
Awareness Drive To Be Intensified
During the extended period, authorities will step up awareness campaigns to inform women passengers about the Pink Saheli Smart Card and the upcoming change.
Announcements will be made at bus depots and inside buses, while information will also be shared through social media and print media.
The government is expected to use the additional fortnight to reach commuters who have yet to obtain the card and explain how the new system will work.
What Is The Pink Saheli Smart Card?
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework and forms part of Delhi’s move from paper-based tickets to a contactless digital ticketing system.
The digital system was launched in March this year as an alternative to the pink tickets that have been used for women’s free bus travel since the scheme began in October 2019.
The smart card is intended to make the process more streamlined while replacing the need for paper tickets.
What Happens After August 31?
The latest extension is valid only until August 31. From September 1, women passengers who do not have a Pink Saheli Smart Card will be required to purchase regular tickets when travelling on DTC and cluster buses.
The government has therefore urged eligible women passengers to obtain the smart card during the extended period to continue benefiting from free bus travel after the paper-ticket facility ends.
