Saheli Smart Card Delhi initiative allows free DTC and cluster bus travel for women and transgender residents aged 12+, using a secure NCMC-enabled digital card. Learn eligibility, application steps, and exam-relevant facts.
Delhi Launches Saheli Card for Free Bus Travel ✨
Modernising Public Transport for Women & Trans Community
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is set to roll out the Saheli Smart Card, a state-of-the-art digital travel pass aimed at women and transgender commuters aged 12 and above. Operating under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system, this smart card will facilitate unlimited free travel on DTC and cluster buses, while also supporting top-ups for other services like the Delhi Metro. Importantly, eligibility will be limited to verified Delhi residents, requiring applicants to register via the DTC portal and complete KYC verification through participating banks
Dual System: Pink Tickets Continue
Despite the launch of the digital Saheli Smart Card, the existing pink paper-ticket system remains in circulation. The new initiative complements, rather than replaces, the current scheme. Beyond eliminating corruption linked to paper tickets, the card will support future integration with mobile apps, enabling QR-based ticketing and integration across all transit modes—buses, Metro, autorickshaws, and taxis
Simple Process: Digital Access with KYC Security
Applicants must:
- Provide Delhi residence proof
- Register online via the DTC portal
- Choose a bank for KYC
- Submit Aadhaar, PAN, photo, etc.
- Receive the activated card by post
Although the card provides free bus rides, banks may impose a nominal issuance/maintenance fee, and lost cards must be reissued per bank policy
Curbing Corruption & Promoting Accountability
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta criticized the existing paper-ticket system, citing rampant abuse and non-resident misuse. Studies show pink-ticket usage rose dramatically—from 25% of bus tickets in 2020–21 to 46% in 2023–24—pointing to growing vulnerabilities The Saheli Card aims to curb these revenue leakages through a name-and-photo authenticated, traceable system.
Why This News Matters
Ensuring Targeted Welfare Benefits
Introducing the Saheli Card means only Delhi residents can avail free bus travel. This tackles previous misuse where non-residents benefited using pink tickets without verification ensuring government support reaches the rightful beneficiaries.
Digital Transition: Better Transparency
Shifting from paper-based to a digital smart card under the NCMC framework promotes transparency, traceability, and reduces corruption. The digital model enhances accountability and monitoring over government-funded concessions
Seamless, Multi-Modal Connectivity
Saheli Cards are NCMC-compliant and interoperable with other transit systems, foreshadowing expanded integration with the Metro and future ride options (e.g., rickshaws, taxis), enhancing commuter convenienceThis aligns with the goal of a cashless and unified travel ecosystem.
Preventing Fraud at Scale
With millions of free rides recorded annually—and pink-ticket sales rising from ~177 million to 400 million—the potential for misuse was highThe Saheli Smart Card mitigates fraud risk by enforcing KYC and name/photo verification.
Historical Context
The Pink Ticket Era (Since 2019)
Since October 29, 2019, women and transgender individuals in Delhi could travel free on DTC and cluster buses using pink tickets, issued without verifying residency. Over time, usage surged to nearly 46% of total tickets in 2023–24, highlighting both its popularity and lead to misuse
NCMC: India’s One‑Card Vision
The National Common Mobility Card was launched in March 2019 as India’s interoperable transport payment solution—spanning metros, tolls, retail, and parking—under the “One Nation, One Card” initiative
Digital Reforms & Combating Subsidy Leakage
New Delhi’s push for the Saheli Card reflects broader government efforts to replace opaque paper-based subsidies with digitally authenticated systems, minimizing fraud and misuse seen in welfare schemes.
Key Takeaways from “Saheli Smart Card Launch”
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Eligibility: Women and transgender persons aged ≥12, Delhi‑resident only. |
| 2 | Platform: Uses the NCMC system, enabling digital and interoperable travel. |
| 3 | Free Travel: Unlimited on DTC and cluster buses; other transit needs top-up. |
| 4 | Verification: Involves KYC + residence proof + name/photo authentication. |
| 5 | Corruption Control: Replacing pink tickets with digital cards to curb misuse. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Saheli Smart Card?
The Saheli Smart Card is a digital mobility card launched by the Delhi Government that offers free bus travel to women and transgender residents of Delhi, aged 12 and above.
2. Who is eligible for the Saheli Smart Card?
Only Delhi residents who are female or transgender, and above 12 years of age, are eligible to apply. KYC and proof of residence are mandatory.
3. Can the Saheli Card be used on the Delhi Metro?
The Saheli Card is NCMC-compliant, so it can be topped up and used for Delhi Metro travel, but the free travel benefit only applies to DTC and cluster buses.
4. Does the Saheli Card replace pink tickets?
No, the pink tickets will continue to be valid, but the Saheli Card is a more secure and traceable digital option intended to replace them gradually.
5. Is the Saheli Smart Card free?
While bus rides are free, banks may charge a nominal fee for card issuance or replacement in case of loss.
6. How can one apply for the Saheli Card?
Applications can be made through the DTC portal, followed by KYC at partner banks, after which the card is issued and mailed to the applicant.
7. Why has the Delhi government launched this card now?
The card was launched to curb misuse of the free travel scheme by non-residents and improve transparency and accountability in public transport subsidies.
8. Is Aadhaar mandatory for Saheli Card application?
Yes, Aadhaar, along with other ID proofs like PAN and residence proof, is required during the KYC process.
9. What is the benefit for students or job aspirants to know this?
This initiative links to topics such as women empowerment, public transport infrastructure, governance reforms, and digital India initiatives, often asked in exams like UPSC, SSC, and state PSCs.
10. Will this initiative expand to other states?
Currently, this is a Delhi-only initiative, but other states may consider similar models based on its effectiveness.
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