Delhi ends free bus travel without smart card for women

Delhi transport authorities have tightened eligibility requirements for women's free bus travel, now requiring passengers to possess a Pink Saheli smart card to avail the benefit across DTC and cluster buses operating in the capital.

The mandatory card policy applies uniformly to both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses in the city. Women traveling without the smart card will be required to purchase regular tickets, marking a shift from previous provisions that allowed free passage based on alternative documentation.

The initiative aims to streamline the distribution of travel subsidies while maintaining the social welfare program that has benefited the city's commuting population. Authorities have encouraged eligible women to obtain the cards through designated distribution centers across Delhi.

According to transport department figures, approximately 1.9 million women have registered for the Pink Saheli smart card scheme to date. The card-based system is intended to reduce fare evasion and create a transparent record of beneficiaries utilizing the free travel concession.

The Delhi transport authority has assured adequate availability of cards at distribution points to facilitate easy registration for eligible women commuters seeking to continue using the free travel facility.