The Delhi government has made an important change for women and transgender persons who travel by DTC buses every day. If you’re a woman who used to get free bus rides with a pink ticket, there’s big news.
The old pink ticket system is ending. In its place, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is introducing a Saheli Smart Card—a digital travel card meant only for women and transgender persons living in Delhi. If you’re not a Delhi resident, you will no longer be eligible for free DTC bus rides.
Let’s understand what this new card is, who can get it, and how you can apply.
What Is the Saheli Smart Card?
The Saheli Smart Card is a new travel card launched by the Delhi government. It allows women and transgender persons who live in Delhi to travel for free in DTC buses. Unlike the old pink ticket, which was given by the bus conductor to any woman, this card will only be given to people who can prove they live in Delhi using proper documents.
The card is a smart digital card that works with a tap-in and tap-out system. That means when you get on the bus, you tap the card on a machine, and when you get off, you tap again. This helps keep a digital record of your journey. You don’t need to talk to the conductor or buy a ticket. The system automatically registers your free ride.
Why Did the Government Replace the Pink Ticket?
The pink ticket was introduced to help women travel safely and freely. The system was misused by some people. Fake pink tickets were being created and shown to the government to get money, even when no one had travelled. This caused a huge loss to public money.
The government decided to bring a more secure, digital system. The Saheli Card ensures that only genuine residents of Delhi get the benefit. The government can track how many free rides are taken and who is using them.
Who Can Get the Saheli Smart Card?
The Saheli Smart Card is not for everyone. It is a special card introduced by the Delhi government only for women and transgender persons who are permanent residents of Delhi. The main aim of this card is to ensure that only genuine residents of Delhi can avail the benefit of free travel on DTC buses. To get this card, you must fulfill certain eligibility conditions.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a woman or transgender person
- Be a resident of Delhi
- Have a valid Aadhaar card
- Provide a valid Delhi-based address proof, such as:
- Electricity bill
- Voter ID
- Ration card
- Any other document that proves you live in Delhi
Working or studying in Delhi is not enough. If you live in nearby NCR cities like Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, or Faridabad, even if you travel daily to Delhi for work or education, you will not be eligible for this card. The scheme is meant strictly for Delhi residents only, as the benefit is funded by the Delhi government and meant for its own people.
What Are the Features of the Saheli Card?
The Saheli Smart Card comes with several modern features that make it convenient and secure. Unlike the old system of pink tickets that were handed out manually by conductors, the Saheli Card is a smart digital card that makes bus travel smoother.
Here are the main features of the card explained in detail:
- Free travel on all DTC buses: Once you have the Saheli Card, you can travel for free in any DTC bus operating within Delhi limits. No need to buy tickets or pay the conductor.
- Tap-in, tap-out system: The card uses a smart system where you tap your card on a machine when you board the bus and again when you get off. This system records your journey without any paper ticket.
- Your name and photo on the card: The card will carry your personal details, such as your name and photograph, and it will be linked with your Aadhaar card to avoid duplication or fraud.
- Delivered directly to your home: Once you apply for the card online and your documents are verified, the card will be printed and sent to your registered home address via post.
- Works on other services too: Though free travel is only on DTC buses, this card can be used in the Delhi Metro, feeder buses, parking areas, and at select small shops or retail outlets that accept National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC).
- Mobile app support: The card is supported by mobile apps where you can:
- Check your card balance
- Recharge the card (for Metro or shopping use)
- Plan your travel routes across Delhi
- Generate QR-based tickets if needed
This card is part of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system that allows one card to be used for multiple transport services. Delhi Metro already supports this platform, making it convenient for users who switch between buses and Metro.
How to Apply for the Saheli Smart Card Online?
Applying for the Saheli Card is completely online. You don’t need to visit any government office or bus depot. You need access to a smartphone, computer, or internet café. Follow the steps below:
- Visit the official DTC website
Go to: https://dtc.delhi.gov.in
This is the official website of the Delhi Transport Corporation. Do not use any third-party sites. - Click on the Saheli Card Registration link
Look for a link or banner on the homepage that mentions “Saheli Smart Card” or “Free Bus Travel for Women.” Click on it to begin the application. - Fill in your personal details
You will be asked to enter your:
- Full name
- Gender
- Aadhaar number
- Mobile number (linked with Aadhaar)
- Complete address in Delhi
- Upload your documents
You need to scan or take clear pictures of the following:
- Your Aadhaar card
- A valid address proof showing you live in Delhi (electricity bill, voter ID, ration card, etc.)
- A passport-size photo
- Submit the form
Once all the information is filled in and documents are uploaded, click on submit. Your application will be sent for verification. - Wait for verification and delivery
The DTC team will verify your details using Aadhaar and address databases. If everything is correct, they will approve your application and send the card by post to your registered address. The process may take a few days to a couple of weeks.
Once you receive the card, you can start using it for free bus rides.
Can You Use the Card for Other Services?
Yes, you can use the Saheli Card for services beyond DTC buses, but free rides are provided only for DTC buses. To use it for other transport or shopping, you need to add money to the card like a prepaid card.
You can use it on:
- Delhi Metro – Use it like a Metro smart card, but you need to pay the fare.
- Feeder buses and parking areas – Where NCMC is accepted, this card will work for payment.
- Retail and small shops – Some shops or vendors that accept NCMC cards will let you pay using your Saheli Card.
The card offers free DTC travel and digital payments across public transport modes.
What If You Don’t Live in Delhi?
If you live outside Delhi, such as in Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, or Faridabad, then you cannot get the Saheli Card. The scheme is only for Delhi residents because it is funded by the Delhi government for people living within its limits.
You still have two other options:
- Zero KYC NCMC Card – No Aadhaar or address proof needed. Quick to issue and can be used for Metro and buses. No free travel.
- Full KYC NCMC Card – Issued by banks, needs Aadhaar and full verification. Works across transport systems. No free travel.
These cards are useful for people who travel in and around Delhi but are not eligible for government subsidy schemes.
Why This Policy Is a Big Step
The card brings discipline and safety to Delhi’s public transport system. It helps ensure that free rides are given to those who need and deserve them. The system becomes modern, digital, and fair. The card supports a cashless and smarter travel experience.
According to reports, nearly 1.1 million women use DTC buses daily. Pink tickets led to over 40 crore free rides in one year. Many were misused. The Saheli Card aims to fix that.
Final Thoughts
If you are a woman or transgender person living in Delhi, this is the right time to apply for the Saheli Smart Card. It offers free and easy travel in DTC buses without paperwork or conductor interaction. Tap and go. Apply only from the official DTC website. Keep your Aadhaar and Delhi address proof ready.
This card is part of a larger effort to make public travel safer, smarter, and more accountable. If you’re eligible, apply and enjoy the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Saheli Smart Card
1. Who can apply for the Saheli Smart Card?
Only women and transgender persons who are residents of Delhi can apply. You must have a valid Aadhaar card and Delhi-based address proof like an electricity bill, voter ID, or ration card.
2. Is the Saheli Card available for women living in Noida, Gurugram, or Ghaziabad?
No, if you live outside Delhi, even in nearby NCR cities, you are not eligible for the Saheli Card. The scheme is meant only for Delhi residents.
3. Is the travel completely free with the Saheli Card?
Yes, the card provides free travel only on DTC buses within Delhi. It does not cover Delhi Metro or other transport systems for free rides.
4. Can I use the Saheli Card on Delhi Metro?
Yes, you can use the card like a prepaid card on the Metro, but you will have to pay for those rides. Free travel is only valid on DTC buses.
5. How do I apply for the Saheli Smart Card?
Visit the official DTC website: https://dtc.delhi.gov.in, fill in your personal details, upload your Aadhaar and Delhi address proof, and submit the form online.
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