Delhi Women's Free Bus Pass Through Saheli Smart Card
What is the Saheli Smart Card?
Free bus rides for women and transgender persons aged 12 years and above on all DTC and Cluster buses. This smart card is Valid for lifetime - no need for renewal or replacement unless lost or damaged. All the process is Completely paperless system eliminating the need for daily paper tickets.
Features of Saheli Smart Card
- Issued under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework
- Recharge and top-up facility available for use on other transit systems (though free travel benefit applies only to DTC and Cluster buses)
- Secure identification with name and photo-based verification
- Must be activated through DTC's Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) before first use
Who Can Apply for the Saheli Smart Card?
- Must be a residents of Delhi with valid address proof
- Age requirement: 12 years and above
- Available for women and transgender individuals only
- Delhi residency is mandatory - unlike the previous pink ticket system which was available to all women regardless of address
How to Apply for the Saheli Smart Card
The application process has been made completely digital and user-friendly:
- Online Registration: Visit the official DTC portal for registration
- Choose a Bank: Select from participating banks for KYC verification
- Complete KYC: Visit the chosen bank branch for full Know Your Customer verification
- Document Submission: Submit all required documents at the bank
- Card Delivery: The bank will dispatch the card directly to your registered address after verification
Required Documents
Applicants must carry the following documents for the application process:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity verification)
- PAN Card (for financial verification)
- Proof of Delhi residence (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
- Passport-size photograph (recent)
- Additional bank-specific KYC documents as required by the chosen bank
Important Details About Costs and Maintenance
- The Delhi government will bear the cost of free travel for eligible users
- No charges from the government for the free travel benefit
- Banks may charge a small issuance or maintenance fee as per their individual policies
- Replacement cards must be requested from the issuing bank in case of loss or damage
Card Activation and Usage
- No direct issuance by DTC - all cards will be issued through partner banks after KYC completion
- Activation required through DTC's AFCS system before first use
- Free travel benefit strictly limited to DTC and Cluster buses only
- Can be used on other transport after topping up, but without free travel benefit
Why the Change from Pink Tickets?
The Delhi government decided to replace the existing paper-based pink ticket system due to several concerns:
- Prevention of misuse: The old system allowed non-residents to avail free travel benefits
- Corruption issues: The previous system was susceptible to various forms of corruption and revenue leakages
- Better accountability: The new system ensures only genuine Delhi residents benefit from the scheme
- Enhanced security: Smart cards provide better security compared to paper tickets
Timeline and Launch Details
It is expected to launch in the month of october 2025. Delhi government planned to launch the Saheli Smart Card for women uses delhi transport for their day to day activities.
October 2025 Launch
- Registration starts: Mid-October 2025
- Bhai Dooj gift: Timed as a special gift for women during the Bhai Dooj festival
- Final meeting: Government officials will finalize exact dates and procedures in an upcoming meeting
- Phased rollout: The system will be implemented gradually to ensure smooth transition
Government's Commitment to Women's Safety
This initiative represents the Delhi government's strong commitment to making public transportation safer, more accessible, and convenient for women and transgender individuals. The Saheli Smart Card will enable "Delhi's daughters and sisters to avail unlimited free travel as a token of the government's commitment towards their welfare," as stated by transport officials.
The new system promises to usher in a new era of safe, accessible, and paperless public transport for women and transgender individuals in Delhi, making daily commuting hassle-free and secure.
Next Steps for Interested Applicants
Women and transgender residents of Delhi who wish to apply for the Saheli Smart Card should:
- Prepare documents: Gather all required documents including Aadhaar, PAN, and Delhi address proof
- Wait for official announcement: Keep an eye on the DTC portal and official announcements for the exact registration date
- Choose a bank: Research participating banks to select the most convenient option for KYC verification
- Complete the process: Follow the online registration and bank verification process once it begins
The Saheli Smart Card represents a significant step forward in making Delhi's public transportation system more inclusive, secure, and efficient for women and transgender individuals, ensuring they can travel freely and safely throughout the capital city.
Ashwani Singh
Ashwani Singh is the creator of Smart Bus Pass, a go-to platform for everything about digital bus passes and public transport in India. Passionate about smart mobility and commuter tech, he breaks down complex systems into easy guides, updates, and news you can trust.
