Delhi government had started the facility of free bus travel for women in the year 2019, which was known as Pink Ticket Scheme. Lakhs of women got daily relief from this scheme and their travel expenses were saved. However, with time, some problems emerged in this system, such as misuse of tickets, outsiders taking advantage and the problem of paper tickets. To eliminate these problems, now Delhi Government has brought Pink Saheli Smart Card Scheme 2026.

This scheme has come into effect from January 2026. Now women will not get pink paper tickets, but will get a digital smart card, through which they will be able to travel free in DTC and cluster buses. As soon as the news of this scheme came, many questions started arising in the minds of women whether every woman can get this card made and is there any age limit for it. So let us tell you today whether age limit will be applicable on making Pink Saheli Card and what are its rules.

Is age limit applicable on Pink Saheli Card?

Age limit has been fixed for making Pink Saheli Smart Card. Under this scheme, women and transgender persons aged 12 years or above can apply for Pink Saheli Card. Girls below 12 years of age will not get this card, that is, if a girl is 11 years of age or less, then she will not be able to travel free bus through this smart card.

Who can make Pink Saheli card?

1. Age condition – The age of the applicant should be at least 12 years.

2. It is necessary to be a permanent resident of Delhi – This scheme is only for women and transgender people living in Delhi. Women living in NCR (Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram) will not be eligible for this scheme.

3. Aadhar card of Delhi is necessary – It is necessary to have Delhi address in Aadhar card. Without Delhi Aadhar Card, Pink Saheli Smart Card will not be made.

4. No limit on income – There is no limit on income in this scheme. Any woman from poor, middle class or rich Delhi can be eligible.

How will Pink Saheli Smart Card work?

This will be a digital smart card. While boarding the bus, the card will have to be tapped on the conductor’s machine (ETM). Just like the metro card works, this card will also work in the same way. The card will have name, photo and QR code, which will prevent misuse. Delhi government has planned to open counters at many places for making Pink Saheli cards. Like DM office, SDM office, DTC bus depot, Jan Suvidha Kendra (CSC) and selected bank branches. Apart from this, the facility of online application can also be started in future.

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Dtc saheli smart card: A big step has been taken towards making public transport smooth and safe for women and transgender community in New Delhi. Now, women and transgender residents of Delhi 12 years and above will be able to travel free in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses through ‘Saheli Smart Card’.

This card will be completely digital, in which the name and photo of the card holder will be recorded. According to PTI, this smart card will be issued under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and it will replace the pink paper based tickets currently used.

Free travel only in DTC and Cluster Buses

Although this card will only be valid for free travel in DTC and cluster buses, the card will be required to use other public transport services. To take advantage of this scheme, women residents of Delhi will have to register online on the DTC portal, select the participant bank and then go to the respective branch and complete the full KYC process.

These documents will be required

To get the card, applicants will have to submit Aadhaar card, PAN card, residence proof in Delhi, passport size photo and other KYC documents sought by the bank. Once the KYC is completed, the card will be sent to the registered address by the issuance bank. In case of the card being lost, a duplicate card can also be issued according to their conditions on informing the bank.

The Delhi government says that the ‘Saheli Smart Card’ will start a new digital age for women and transgender, which will not only be free of cost but will also make paperless and more secure.

Although the government will not charge any fee for the journey, banks can still levy a minor fee for issuing cards or maintenance. It will be mandatory to activate it with DTC’s automatic fair collection system (AFCs) before starting the card using.