Delhi’s women commuters are about to get a major upgrade in their free bus travel experience. No more collecting those pink tickets every time you board a DTC or cluster bus! The new Saheli Smart Card, set to be launched soon, will make free travel more convenient, cashless, and secure for lakhs of women passengers in the capital.
Here’s everything you need to know about what Saheli Smart Card is, who can get it, what documents are needed, how to apply, and where this card will work.
The Saheli Smart Card is an upcoming smart pass designed to replace the old pink ticket system that allowed women to travel free in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses.
Introduced initially by the AAP government, the free bus travel scheme for women required conductors to issue pink tickets, for which the government later reimbursed DTC. Now, the current administration is planning to simplify this process with the Saheli Smart Card — a contactless National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) that can also work across multiple public transport systems like Metro and rapid trains, though the free ride will apply only to DTC and cluster buses.
✅ No more daily tickets — Tap the card and travel hassle-free.
✅ It will work across DTC and cluster buses; in Metro and other transit systems, it can be topped up and used like a regular smart card, but free rides won’t apply there.
✅ Fully digital process — From registration to activation.
🔹 Only permanent residents of Delhi can apply.
🔹 There is no income limit — all eligible women can apply.
🔹 Women above 12 years of age and transgender persons residing in Delhi qualify.
This means women from NCR areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, or Faridabad who travel to Delhi will not be able to get this card — at least for now.
When applying, you’ll need:
1️⃣ Aadhaar card showing Delhi address.
2️⃣ Proof of Delhi residency (if not covered in Aadhaar).
3️⃣ PAN card.
4️⃣ Passport-size photograph.
Step 1:
Register on the official DTC portal.
Select the bank through which you want your card issued.
Visit the bank for KYC using your Aadhaar card.
Once verified, your Saheli Smart Card will be sent to your home address.
Step 2:
After receiving the card, it must be activated.
Activation will be done via DTC’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS).
Once activated, you can start using it for free travel on buses.
Women can also top-up the card balance if they want to use it for Metro or other transport systems where fares apply.
📌 The Delhi government will issue the Saheli Smart Card free of charge, but your bank may levy a small maintenance fee or a delivery charge for sending the card to your home.
📌 If your card is lost, you’ll need to visit the bank to deactivate it and apply for a replacement card — the bank may charge a nominal fee for this too.
Free travel: Only in DTC and cluster buses within Delhi.
Other use: Metro, rapid trains, or other transit modes — you can use it like a prepaid smart card, but fares must be paid by the user.
As of now, the scheme is for Delhi’s permanent residents only. Women living in NCR towns like Noida or Faridabad but working in Delhi are not eligible yet, although there are hints that the government may consider expanding it in the future.
✔️ Q: What if my card gets lost?
A: Go to the bank, get your card blocked, and apply for a new one.
✔️ Q: Can it be used like a Metro card?
A: Yes, you can top it up for Metro and other transport, but the free travel benefit is only for buses.
✔️ Q: Is there an app for this?
A: The Delhi government may launch an app to check usage, top up balances, or buy discounted passes in the future.
The Saheli Smart Card is a big step towards smart, safe, and convenient public transport for women and transgender persons in Delhi. It combines free bus travel with the flexibility of a national mobility card — and could eventually include other transport modes like autos or taxis.
Keep an eye on the official notification — and be ready to apply when registrations open!
