In a historic step towards women’s safety, equality, and digital inclusion, the Delhi Government is preparing to launch the much-awaited Saheli Smart Card around Bhai Dooj (October 23). Designed exclusively for women and transgender residents, this pink-themed smart card will ensure free bus travel across Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses, while also being usable for paid rides on the Delhi Metro and other public transport.
The card replaces the old pink ticket system introduced in 2019, turning festive goodwill into a permanent mobility revolution.
Key Takeaways: Saheli Smart Card Brings Digital Freedom to Women Commuters
- Free Travel for Women & Transgenders: The Saheli Smart Card ensures permanent, free travel on all DTC and Cluster buses within Delhi.
- Dual Utility Card: Can be recharged and used for paid metro or other transport rides using the same card.
- Digital Replacement of Pink Tickets: Ends paper-ticket dependency, ensuring transparency and convenience.
- KYC-Based Access: Available in Zero-KYC (quick activation via Aadhaar OTP) and Full-KYC (bank-verified with photo and details) options.
- Online Registration Only: Issued via the official DTC portal and partner banks; not at physical counters.
- Permanent Validity: Acts as a lifelong digital travel pass for Delhi’s women commuters.
- CM Rekha Gupta’s Initiative: The Chief Minister has directed officials to expedite preparations ahead of the festive rollout.
Saheli Smart Card: A Digital Leap Beyond Paper Tickets
The Saheli Smart Card marks a monumental shift from traditional paper-based travel passes to a digital, unified mobility solution. Earlier, women had to collect zero-value pink tickets for free travel. With this initiative, a simple card tap on the bus reader will record the journey; no paper, no queues, no delays.
According to senior transport officials, the backend integration for both Saheli and other smart cards has been completed, while most DTC and cluster buses have been fitted with card-reading machines. Once launched, women commuters will experience a cashless, transparent, and contactless travel system, aligned with Delhi’s vision of a smart transport ecosystem.
Saheli Smart Card: Why the Launch Matters for Delhi
The rollout of the Saheli Smart Card symbolizes more than just free rides; it represents digital empowerment, gender inclusivity, and administrative transparency. For lakhs of women who depend on public buses daily, this card will reduce travel stress, ensure safety, and promote financial independence.
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Moreover, the inclusion of transgender commuters underscores the government’s commitment to equality and accessibility for all sections of society. The move also strengthens Delhi’s Digital India vision by merging transport convenience with modern technology.
Two Smart Variants for Flexible Use
Officials confirmed that the card will be issued in two functional formats:
1. Zero-KYC Card: Instantly available through authorised DTC centres or partner banks using Aadhaar-linked OTP verification. It will function like a prepaid travel card, easy to top up for paid journeys beyond DTC limits.
2. Full-KYC Card: Issued via partner banks, embedded with the holder’s name, photograph, and personal details. Besides free travel, it can also be used as a regular debit card for everyday transactions offering a blend of utility and convenience.
This two-tier system ensures that even first-time users or those without bank accounts can quickly access the facility without long verification delays.
Smooth Implementation Before Bhai Dooj
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has instructed the Transport Department to fast-track all final steps before the festival. Officials revealed that empanelment of banks and machine integration is in its closing stages. The government aims to start the first phase of rollout by Bhai Dooj, allowing thousands of women to travel ticket-free during the festive rush.
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has also completed setup for its automated fare collection system, ensuring a seamless transition once the pink card becomes operational.
How Women Can Get the Saheli Smart Card
Women residents of Delhi can apply for the Saheli Smart Card through the official DTC portal. After completing the online registration and KYC verification, the card will be issued via designated partner banks.
Authorities have clarified that no cards will be issued at DTC counters. The entire process is digital to maintain data accuracy, prevent misuse, and simplify public access. Once active, users can simply tap the card on the bus machine to validate their journey making the entire process paperless and efficient.
Empowering Delhi’s Streets, One Ride at a Time
Since its first step in 2019 when women were offered free travel on DTC buses through pink tickets the Delhi Government has continuously pushed to make public transport inclusive, transparent, and digital-first. The Saheli Smart Card now takes this mission to its logical next stage, introducing a permanent, identity-linked system that prevents misuse while empowering genuine beneficiaries.
This initiative also mirrors global examples where gender-sensitive transport policies improve workforce participation and urban safety. By prioritising comfort, dignity, and access, Delhi’s move sets a new national benchmark.
A Festive Step Toward Equality and Digital Inclusion
The Saheli Smart Card is more than just a bus pass; it’s a symbol of Delhi’s progressive governance and a celebration of women’s independence. Launched around Bhai Dooj, a festival that honours the bond of protection and affection, the initiative perfectly reflects the spirit of security and support for Delhi’s women.
With its fusion of technology, inclusivity, and convenience, the Saheli Smart Card promises to reshape how women travel free, safe, and empowered across the capital.
Here’s an expanded English spiritual section in approximately 160 words, fully humanized and clear:
Spiritual Guidance: The Unique Teachings of Tatvdarshi Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji
Tatvdarshi Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji has been guiding society with wisdom that transforms lives and promotes equality. Among His remarkable initiatives, He provides free bus services for girls, ensuring safe and dignified travel for young women. Beyond transportation, Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji advocates dowry-free marriages, which play a significant role in reducing social evils and promoting fairness and simplicity in society.
Earlier, girls were often undervalued and misunderstood, but under the compassionate guidance of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji, communities are learning to respect and value them properly. His teachings emphasize that true devotion to God is open to everyone, irrespective of gender. Both boys and girls can practice spiritual discipline, live righteously, and cultivate love and reverence for the Supreme.
Through His knowledge, followers experience social upliftment alongside spiritual growth, learning the essence of equality, service, and devotion in daily life.
Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
YouTube Channel: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
FAQs on Saheli Smart Card Launch in Delhi
1. What is the Saheli Smart Card launched by the Delhi Government?
The Saheli Smart Card is a digital travel pass by the Delhi Government that allows women and transgender commuters to travel free of cost on DTC and Cluster buses. It replaces pink paper tickets and can also be used for paid rides on the Delhi Metro and other public transport services in Delhi.
2. When will the Delhi Government launch the Saheli Smart Card?
The Saheli Smart Card is likely to be launched around Bhai Dooj (October 23). Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has instructed the Transport Department to complete all preparations before the festival so that the rollout can begin in phases, giving Delhi’s women a special festive gift of digital and free bus travel.
3. How can women apply for the Saheli Smart Card in Delhi?
Women and transgender residents can register online for the Saheli Smart Card through the official DTC portal. They need to complete KYC verification, after which the card will be issued by partner banks. Officials confirmed that no cards will be distributed at DTC counters, making the process fully digital and transparent.
4. What are the types of Saheli Smart Cards available?
The Saheli Smart Card will come in two variants Zero-KYC and Full-KYC. The Zero-KYC card can be activated quickly via Aadhaar OTP, while the Full-KYC card, issued through partner banks, carries the holder’s name and photo and also functions as a debit card for travel and regular purchases.
5. Who can avail the free travel benefit using the Saheli Smart Card?
The free travel benefit under the Saheli Smart Card scheme is reserved for Delhi’s women and transgender residents. Once activated, the card ensures lifetime validity for free travel on DTC and Cluster buses, providing a safe, paperless, and convenient mode of public transport across the national capital region.
