Delhi Aadhaar Mandatory for Free Bus Rides for Women From 2026; Pink Saheli Smart Card to Replace Pink Tickets

Key Highlights

• Pink Saheli card mandatory for free bus rides from 2026.

• Only for Delhi women and girls aged 12 years and above.

• Delhi Aadhaar required as proof of identity.

• Digital card replaces paper pink tickets.

• Likely launch after January 14.

The Delhi government is set to make Aadhaar mandatory for women availing free bus rides, with a new Pink Saheli smart card scheduled to roll out from January 2026. This digital card will replace the existing paper-based pink tickets and aims to bring more transparency, convenience, and efficiency to the scheme.

What Is the Pink Saheli Card?

The Pink Saheli card is a smart card designed exclusively for girls and women aged 12 years and above who are residents of Delhi. It will allow eligible commuters to travel free of cost on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses by simply tapping the card on the electronic ticketing machine (ETM) carried by conductors.

Delhi Aadhaar Required for Application

To apply for the Pink Saheli card, women must provide their Delhi Aadhaar as proof of identity and residence. The Transport Department has finalised two private vendors to issue these cards and will soon set up dedicated application counters across the city.

Where to Apply for the Card

Application counters will be available at:

• District Magistrate (DM) offices

• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) offices

• Bus depots

• Common Service Centres (CSCs)

These locations are being chosen to ensure easy and wide access for all eligible women.

Why the New System Is Being Introduced

The current free bus travel scheme, launched in October 2019, uses paper-based pink tickets and benefits nearly 2 crore women commuters every month. The new smart card system is intended to:

• Improve transparency

• Reduce misuse

• Make travel faster and paperless

• Enable better monitoring of beneficiaries

Other Smart Cards for Bus Commuters

Along with the Pink Saheli card, selected banks will also issue two additional types of smart cards:

• Concession Smart Cards for bus pass holders across more than 12 categories, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, sportspersons, war widows, and national award winners.

• General-Purpose Smart Card for all commuters, similar to a MetroCard. This prepaid card will require full KYC with name and photograph and will cost a minimum of ₹120, after which it can be recharged as needed. Interoperability with the Delhi Metro is under consideration but not yet finalised.

Government Oversight and Launch Timeline

Transport Minister Pankaj Singh has directed the Transport Department and partner banks to ensure a smooth and hassle-free issuance process. While banks will manage the counters, the government will oversee operations to prevent inconvenience to women applicants.

If preparations stay on track, the Pink Saheli card scheme may be formally launched after January 14, officials said.

This move marks a major step toward digitising Delhi’s public transport benefits while ensuring that free bus travel for women remains accessible, transparent, and efficient.

Also Read: Centre Withdraws Subsidy for Electric Three-Wheelers After Target Achievement Under PM E-Drive

CMV360 Says

The introduction of the Pink Saheli smart card marks a major shift in Delhi’s free bus travel scheme for women. By making Delhi Aadhaar mandatory and replacing paper tickets with digital cards, the government aims to improve transparency, reduce misuse, and make daily commuting smoother. With easy application access and government oversight, the initiative is expected to benefit millions of women while modernising the city’s public transport system.