The Delhi government has launched the Saheli Pink National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Smart Card to provide seamless and dignified free bus travel for women across the city.
The initiative was formally introduced on 2 March and is applicable on all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses.
Distribution of the Saheli Pink NCMC Smart Card began on 3 March 2026 at 50 authorised issuance centres established across Delhi.
These include offices of District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, and designated DTC locations, where eligible women can obtain the card through Aadhaar-based verification.
The new smart card replaces the existing paper-based free travel tickets currently used by women passengers on Delhi buses.
The state government stated that the contactless system is intended to improve transparency, passenger convenience, and overall travel experience while supporting Delhi’s digital public transport infrastructure.
Eligible women can receive the smart card free of cost. In addition to enabling free travel on DTC and Cluster buses, the card can also be recharged for use on the Delhi Metro and other public transport systems integrated under the National Common Mobility Card framework.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative is aimed at making public transport safer and more convenient for women in the capital.
“Under the ‘Saheli Pink Smart Card’ scheme launched in Delhi, bus travel for women will now be completely free. Additionally, through this single card, they will also be able to travel easily on the metro and RRTS,” she said.
“This decision of ours is an important step towards making travel for Delhi’s women safe and fully convenient,” the Chief Minister added.
According to the Delhi Transport Corporation, issuance of the cards is being carried out instantly over the counter after verification of eligibility.
Applicants are required to present a valid Aadhaar card showing Delhi residency at the designated centres.
The centres are functioning from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM on all days for public convenience.
Authorities have advised beneficiaries to carry the card during travel and use it personally, as misuse or transfer of the card is prohibited under the scheme guidelines.
