No Pink Saheli card, no free bus ride: Delhi changes the rules
Delhi women must now use the Pink Saheli Smart Card for free DTC and cluster bus travel. Over 19 lakh cards have been issued, with free first cards and ₹59 replacements.
- Oct 6, 2026,
- Updated Oct 6, 2026 4:55 PM IST
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Card Mandatory
Free bus travel for women in Delhi now comes with a clear condition: the Pink Saheli Smart Card is required. The Delhi government says women residents can use the free facility on both AC and non-AC DTC and cluster buses only through this NCMC-based card.
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19 Lakh cards Issued
The scale of the switch is already significant, with the Delhi government saying more than 19 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been issued. Women who have not registered yet can still apply and continue through the card registration and issuance process.
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First One Free
Getting the card does not add an upfront cost for eligible users. The first Pink Saheli Smart Card is issued free, while a replacement for a lost or damaged card costs ₹59, including GST. The card remains valid for five years.
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Metro Bonus
The card is not restricted to free bus travel. It can also function as a mobility card for Delhi Metro and RRTS services, giving the NCMC-based card a wider use beyond the free DTC and cluster-bus benefit.
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Wider Coverage
The notification extends the provisions to transgender persons who are residents of Delhi as well. Those who are not eligible for the free travel facility can still use DTC and cluster buses by purchasing tickets at the applicable fare.