Free Bus Rides for Women & Transgender Residents in Delhi with ‘Saheli Cards’
In a major shift to streamline welfare schemes and curb misuse, the Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has announced a new smart card-based system that will allow only women and transgender residents of Delhi to travel free of cost in public buses.
This initiative, introduced during CM Gupta’s first Budget speech, replaces the earlier ‘pink ticket’ scheme launched by the AAP government in 2019. The new smart cards, named ‘Saheli Cards’, are expected to be launched by August 15, and aim to ensure that only bona fide Delhi residents receive the benefit of free travel.
Officials stated that to avail of the Saheli Card, women and transgender persons must provide valid proof of residence in Delhi. The goal is to ensure the benefits are limited to actual residents, unlike the previous system which, according to the CM, had scope for misuse under vote-bank politics.
There will be two types of Saheli Cards:
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Non-KYC Verified Cards – Easier to obtain with basic documentation, usable on both DTC buses and the Delhi Metro. Travel in buses will be free, while Metro rides will require payment.
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KYC Verified Cards – Personalized cards with name and photo, issued by partner banks after complete verification. These are top-up enabled and NCMC-compliant (National Common Mobility Card).
To implement the scheme, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has issued tenders inviting banks and financial institutions for empanelment to issue these smart cards. DTC is also working on launching a dedicated portal for the registration of women residents of Delhi. The registration link will be shared with banks, who will then verify and issue the cards.
The cards are expected to be made available at Metro stations, with counters where applicants can submit residential proof and receive their cards directly. This move not only modernizes the public transport system but also promotes a corruption-free, resident-focused welfare approach.
Officials believe the smart card system will bring ease and accessibility while avoiding loopholes of the previous ticket-based scheme. With this initiative, Delhi aims to become a model city for inclusive, technology-driven governance, empowering women and transgender citizens through safe, free, and verified access to public transport.
