Delhi to end pink paper bus tickets for women from August 1
Delhi will make free bus travel for women fully digital from 1 August 2026. The Saheli Pink Smart Card is meant to speed up verification and improve transparency.
The Delhi government is set to make free bus travel for women completely digital with the introduction of the Saheli Pink Smart Card. Starting August 1, 2026, women travelling on DTC and Cluster buses will need to use the smart card instead of the existing paper pink tickets.
The move is aimed at making the free travel scheme more efficient, transparent and convenient for commuters.
WHAT IS CHANGING FROM AUGUST 1?
From August 1, 2026
Paper Pink Tickets will no longer be accepted.
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Women will have to use the Saheli Pink Smart Card to avail free bus travel.
The card will be valid on both DTC and Cluster buses across Delhi.
PAPER PINK TICKETS VALID TILL JULY 31
The Delhi government has clarified that the existing paper pink tickets will remain valid only until July 31, 2026.
Women who have not yet obtained the Saheli Pink Smart Card are advised to register and get one before the new system comes into effect.
OVER 15 LAKH SMART CARDS ALREADY ISSUED
According to the government, nearly 15 lakh Saheli Pink Smart Cards have already been issued to eligible women commuters.
The large-scale rollout is intended to ensure a smooth transition from paper tickets to the digital card system.
NO DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE SMART CARD
The government has also clarified that there is no last date to apply for the Saheli Pink Smart Card.
Even after July 31, 2026, women can continue to register and obtain the card. However, those wishing to continue enjoying free bus travel without interruption should complete the process before the digital system becomes mandatory.
WHY THE SHIFT TO SMART CARDS?
The Saheli Pink Smart Card is expected to:
Reduce the use of paper tickets.
Make passenger verification faster.
Improve transparency in the free travel scheme.
Enable smoother boarding and ticketing.
Support a fully digital public transport system.
With the launch of the Saheli Pink Smart Card, Delhi is taking another step towards digitising public transport services. Women commuters should ensure they obtain the smart card before August 1 to continue availing free travel on DTC and Cluster buses without relying on paper pink tickets.
The Delhi government is set to make free bus travel for women completely digital with the introduction of the Saheli Pink Smart Card. Starting August 1, 2026, women travelling on DTC and Cluster buses will need to use the smart card instead of the existing paper pink tickets.
The move is aimed at making the free travel scheme more efficient, transparent and convenient for commuters.
WHAT IS CHANGING FROM AUGUST 1?
From August 1, 2026
Paper Pink Tickets will no longer be accepted.
Women will have to use the Saheli Pink Smart Card to avail free bus travel.
The card will be valid on both DTC and Cluster buses across Delhi.
PAPER PINK TICKETS VALID TILL JULY 31
The Delhi government has clarified that the existing paper pink tickets will remain valid only until July 31, 2026.
Women who have not yet obtained the Saheli Pink Smart Card are advised to register and get one before the new system comes into effect.
OVER 15 LAKH SMART CARDS ALREADY ISSUED
According to the government, nearly 15 lakh Saheli Pink Smart Cards have already been issued to eligible women commuters.
The large-scale rollout is intended to ensure a smooth transition from paper tickets to the digital card system.
NO DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE SMART CARD
The government has also clarified that there is no last date to apply for the Saheli Pink Smart Card.
Even after July 31, 2026, women can continue to register and obtain the card. However, those wishing to continue enjoying free bus travel without interruption should complete the process before the digital system becomes mandatory.
WHY THE SHIFT TO SMART CARDS?
The Saheli Pink Smart Card is expected to:
Reduce the use of paper tickets.
Make passenger verification faster.
Improve transparency in the free travel scheme.
Enable smoother boarding and ticketing.
Support a fully digital public transport system.
With the launch of the Saheli Pink Smart Card, Delhi is taking another step towards digitising public transport services. Women commuters should ensure they obtain the smart card before August 1 to continue availing free travel on DTC and Cluster buses without relying on paper pink tickets.
