Saheli Pink Smart Card: Check Eligibility, How to Apply and Free Travel Benefits
Saheli Pink Smart Card, Learn how to apply for the Saheli Pink Smart Card 2026 in Delhi. Check eligibility criteria, required documents, online application and explore the free travel benefits for women and transgender residents on DTC, Delhi Metro, RRTS and Cluster buses in Delhi.
Key Points
- Saheli Pink Card launched by Delhi Govt. for free bus travel.
- Eligibility: Delhi residents, women & transgender, 12+ with Aadhaar.
- Apply online/offline; card offers free bus rides and metro integration.
Saheli Pink Smart Card 2026: The Delhi Government has introduced the Saheli Pink Smart Card to modernize public transport and enhance the safety of female and transgender commuters. It is a part of the "Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi" initiative, a digital tool for empowerment, streamlines the boarding process allowing commuters to simply "tap and travel" while ensuring that the benefits of the free travel scheme reach the intended residents of the national capital.
Objectives of the Saheli Pink Smart Card
The Saheli program is designed to improve urban mobility and social equity:
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Digital transformation shifts from manual paper-based ticketing to a seamless digital National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework.
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To provide financial relief to women and transgender residents by removing the cost barrier to public transportation.
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Enhanced safety by utilizing personalized cards with QR codes and photographs to reduce misuse.
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Streamlined Commuting to eliminate the time-consuming process, allowing for faster bus boarding and improved traffic flow.
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Data-Driven Planning to gather accurate travel data, which helps the government analyze commuter patterns and optimize bus routes to serve high-demand areas better.
Key Features of Saheli Pink Smart Card:
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Unlimited Access: Provides unrestricted travel on all DTC and Cluster (Orange) buses with no daily or monthly trip limits.
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Smart Card Integration: Replaces manual paper tickets with a QR-coded PVC "Pink Saheli" card for a digital, paperless experience.
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Dual Functionality: Acts as a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), allowing users to pay for Delhi Metro and RRTS travel using the same card.
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Aadhaar-Linked: Secured through Aadhaar and mobile number verification to prevent duplication and ensure valid identity.
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Tap-and-Go Technology: Facilitates instant boarding via electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) for a faster "tap-and-go" process.
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Targeted Beneficiaries: Exclusively available to women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 5 and above.
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Data-Driven Planning: Enables the government to track travel patterns accurately to optimize bus routes and frequencies for women.
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Residency Requirement: Specifically issued to those with valid Delhi address proof, ensuring benefits reach city residents.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Saheli Pink Smart Card, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Residency: Must be a bona fide resident of Delhi
Gender: Open to all Women and Transgender individuals
Age: Minimum age of 12 years or above
Identification: Must possess a valid Aadhaar card or Voter ID linked to a Delhi address
How to Apply for Saheli Pink Smart Card (Step-by-Step):
The government has established both online and offline channels to ensure easy access for all citizens.
Online Application Process:
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Visit the Portal: Go to the official Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) website or the dedicated Pink Saheli portal.
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Registration: Click on "Apply for Pink Saheli Card" and register using a valid mobile number.
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Fill Details: Enter personal information including Name, Date of Birth, and Address as per your Aadhaar.
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Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of your ID proof, Address proof, and a recent passport-size photograph.
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Submit & Verify: Review the form and submit. The DTC backend team will verify the details.
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Home Delivery: Once approved, the smart card is dispatched via Speed Post to your registered address (usually within 7–10 working days).
Offline Application:
You can also apply in person at:
- DTC Bus Depots
- SDM/DM Offices across Delhi's districts
- Common Service Centres (CSCs)
Required Documents:
Ensure you have the following documents ready before applying:
Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card/ Voter ID is Mandatory for age/gender verification
Address Proof: Delhi Residency Proof such as Electricity bill, Ration card, or Aadhar
Photograph: One recent passport-size photo (digital for online, physical for offline)
Mobile Number: For OTP verification and status updates
Free Travel And Other Benefits:
The Saheli Pink Smart Card offers more than just a free ride; it integrates multiple features:
| Feature | Details |
| Bus Travel | 100% Free & Unlimited on all DTC and Cluster (Orange) buses. |
| Metro Integration | Can be used for Delhi Metro & RRTS (requires a manual top-up/recharge). |
| Safety | Features a unique QR code and the holder's photo for instant verification. |
| Financial Savings | Estimated savings of ₹1,200 to ₹2,400 per month for daily commuters. |
| Convenience | Replaces the need to ask conductors for paper tickets; simply tap on the ETM. |
Comparison: Old Pink Ticket vs. Pink Smart Card
| Feature | Old Pink Paper Ticket | Saheli Pink Smart Card |
| Format | Single-use Paper | Durable Digital NCMC Card |
| Durability | Low (Tears easily) | High (Long-lasting) |
| Interoperability | Only Buses | Buses, Metro, and RRTS |
| Verification | Manual/Visual | QR Code & Photo-based |
| Data Tracking | Difficult | Digital records for better planning |
The Saheli Pink Smart Card is a digital identity and travel card providing unlimited free travel on all DTC and Cluster buses in Delhi which aimed at women and transgender residents aged 12 and above, it replaces paper tickets with a QR-coded smart card that can also be recharged for use in the Delhi Metro and RRTS.
Also Read: Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Scheme: Check Objectives, How to Apply, Eligibility and Benefits
Manisha Waldia is a distinguished content strategist with 5 years of experience crafting premium educational content for UPSC and State PCS, with a focus on deep conceptual analysis across Polity, Geography, History, and Environment. She currently brings this expertise to Jagran Josh, where she covers major national and international events, current affairs, and static general knowledge. Over her career, Manisha's specialized insights have led her to curate high-impact materials and serve as a UPSC Mains answer-evaluator for India’s top institutes—including Drishti IAS, Shubhra Ranjan IAS, Study IQ, GS Score, and PWonlyIAS. She has also worked alongside leading NGOs like Oxfam India and Avani Kumaon.
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