TransitCard – Delhi Expands Digital Free Bus Travel for Women
TransitCard – More than eight lakh women across Delhi have now received the government’s Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Card, a digital travel initiative aimed at simplifying free bus journeys on public transport. The scheme, introduced earlier this year, is part of a broader effort to modernise commuting services and reduce dependence on paper-based ticketing systems in the capital.
Digital System Replacing Paper Tickets
The Pink Saheli Smart Card was officially launched on March 2, 2026 under the Centre’s “One Nation, One Card” programme. The card enables women and transgender passengers to travel free on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses through a contactless tap-and-go method.
Officials said the initiative was designed to make daily travel smoother and faster while improving transparency in the public transport network. By using a digital smart card, passengers no longer need to collect paper tickets during their journeys, helping reduce waiting time and improving efficiency on buses.
More Than 8.4 Lakh Cards Distributed
According to government data, a total of 840,618 cards had been distributed till May 18 through 73 centres operating across Delhi. These centres include DTC offices, SDM offices and dedicated registration camps set up in different parts of the city.
Authorities stated that the response from commuters has remained encouraging since the launch of the scheme. Large numbers of women passengers have reportedly enrolled for the smart card to access seamless travel services on DTC buses.
Officials also noted that the registration process was kept simple to ensure easier participation from commuters belonging to different age groups and backgrounds.
Future Expansion Across Public Transport
The Delhi government plans to integrate the Pink Saheli Smart Card with additional transport systems in the coming months. Apart from DTC buses, the card is expected to become operational on the Delhi Metro network, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and other public transport services in the future.
The smart card can already be recharged online, allowing passengers to manage their travel usage digitally without visiting physical ticket counters. Transport authorities believe this feature will help promote wider adoption of digital payment systems among daily commuters.
The move is also being viewed as part of the government’s long-term strategy to create a unified transport experience for passengers travelling through different modes of public transit in Delhi and nearby regions.
Government Highlights Women’s Safety and Accessibility
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Pink Saheli initiative is contributing towards safer and smarter public transport for women in the capital. She added that improved accessibility and easier travel options are helping strengthen confidence and independence among women commuters.
Government officials further stated that the introduction of digital travel facilities is expected to support better monitoring and management of public transport operations. Authorities believe the system will also help improve commuter convenience while encouraging greater use of buses for daily travel.
The Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Card remains one of the major digital transport initiatives introduced in Delhi this year, reflecting the administration’s focus on technology-driven urban mobility and inclusive public services.