Women and transgender commuters in Delhi will need a Pink Saheli Smart Card to continue availing free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses from August 1, 2026. The Delhi Government has announced that the existing paper-based pink ticket system will be discontinued after July 31, 2026, marking a major shift towards a fully digital travel system.
Until now, eligible passengers could obtain pink paper tickets from bus conductors for free travel. From August 1, 2026, this facility will no longer be available. Instead, commuters must carry a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card and tap it on the Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM) while boarding the bus to receive the free travel benefit. Those who do not possess the smart card will be required to purchase a regular ticket and pay the applicable fare.
The transition to the Pink Saheli Smart Card is aimed at:
- Replacing paper-based pink tickets with a digital, contactless system.
- Improving transparency in the subsidy distribution process.
- Reducing misuse and fraud.
- Making travel faster and more convenient for commuters.
- Enabling better monitoring and management of the free travel scheme.
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is intended for eligible women and transgender residents of Delhi travelling on DTC and Cluster buses under the government’s free bus travel scheme. Eligible commuters should complete the registration process and obtain the smart card before the deadline to avoid any disruption in free travel.
From August 1, 2026, passengers without a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card will not be eligible for free travel. They will have to purchase regular bus tickets for every journey. Pink paper tickets will cease to be valid after July 31, 2026.
Eligible commuters are advised to apply for the card well before the deadline. Applicants will need to complete the prescribed registration process and submit the required identity and residence documents at designated centres or through the official application process announced by the Delhi Government.
- July 31, 2026: Last day to use pink paper tickets.
- August 1, 2026: Pink Saheli Smart Card becomes mandatory for free travel.
- Without the card: Regular bus fare will be applicable.
The mandatory implementation of the Pink Saheli Smart Card represents a significant step towards digitising Delhi’s public transport system. Women and transgender commuters who wish to continue enjoying free travel should ensure they obtain and activate their smart cards before August 1, 2026, to avoid inconvenience during their daily commute.
