Registration for Lifetime Smart Cards to Begin Soon for Delhi Women
In a significant move to streamline and digitize women’s free travel on public buses, the Delhi government is set to launch a new initiative introducing lifetime-validity smart cards exclusively for women residents of the capital. The registration process for these cards is expected to begin in the coming weeks, as confirmed by transport department officials.
This development marks a shift from the previous ‘pink ticket’ scheme introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in 2019, which allowed women to travel free on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. Under that system, pink tickets were issued per journey, and the government reimbursed the bus companies based on the number of tickets distributed.
Now, under the newly elected BJP government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the pink ticket system is set to be phased out. In its place, digital smart cards will be introduced to increase transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure that the benefit reaches only bona fide residents of Delhi.
“We are committed to ensuring free travel for women, but corruption in the current system will not be tolerated. The new digital cards will put an end to ‘pink corruption’ and allow women to travel freely at any time,” said Gupta during the Delhi Assembly’s Budget Session.
The smart card initiative is also part of the government’s larger plan to modernise Delhi’s public transport system. Gupta emphasised the need for a transport network that is accessible, reliable, and globally recognised. To support this vision, the Delhi Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹12,952 crore towards public transport – a notable increase from last year’s ₹9,337 crore.
Officials clarified that the smart cards would be issued only to women who can prove their residency in Delhi. The move comes after allegations of misuse of the pink ticket scheme and aims to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries can avail of the free travel facility.
The launch of the smart card system is expected within the next two to three weeks, with the registration process rolling out shortly. The shift from paper to digital ticketing is a technological upgrade and a measure to ensure fairness, efficiency, and ease of access for women commuters across Delhi.
