Hans News Service New Delhi

NewDelhi: The Delhi government has asked women commuters to switch from the existing paper-based Pink Tickets to the NCMC-enabled Pink Saheli Smart Card before August 1, 2026, when the current ticket system will be phased out. From August 1 onwards, women will be able to avail the free bus travel facility in DTC buses only through the Pink Saheli Smart Card.

The government clarified that the free travel scheme is not being discontinued, but is being upgraded to a technology-driven system aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency. The existing Pink Tickets will remain valid till July 31, giving commuters time to complete the transition.

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh appealed to eligible women to register for the smart card at the earliest, assuring that the benefit would continue uninterrupted. He said there was no need for panic or confusion, as the government was committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary continued to enjoy free travel.

According to the minister, nearly 15 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards have already been issued, with a majority of beneficiaries already using them for free travel. He reiterated that the scheme would remain operational on both DTC and Cluster buses.

“The free bus travel facility for Delhi’s women will continue uninterrupted. We appeal to all eligible women to obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Card and avail its benefits with ease and convenience,” Singh said. The minister also clarified that July 31 is not the final date for registration. While paper tickets will cease to be valid after that date, applications for new Pink Saheli Smart Cards will continue through designated DTC depots, notified centres and special registration camps even after August 1. Officials said the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-based system would help streamline beneficiary management, reduce dependence on paper tickets and improve monitoring of the scheme. The digital platform is expected to enhance transparency and make implementation more efficient while preventing misuse.