The Delhi government has announced a new scheme called the DTC Saheli Smart Card, which will allow women and transgender individuals to travel for free in all DTC and cluster buses. This new card will replace the existing pink ticket system and make bus travel easier and more convenient. The scheme is expected to officially launch on August 15, offering a digital and smooth travel experience to eligible residents of Delhi. The Saheli Smart Card will work just like a metro card, but it will allow free rides on buses. It will also be valid in other transport systems like metro and rapid trains, but without the free travel benefit.
Let’s understand everything you need to know about the DTC Saheli Smart Card scheme.
What is Saheli Smart Card?
The DTC Saheli Smart Card is a smart travel pass designed especially for women and transgender persons living in Delhi, aged 12 years or older. With this card, they can travel free of cost in DTC and cluster buses. It will act like a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and can also be used in metro and rapid trains (but regular fare will apply there).
The DTC Saheli Smart Card is a big step toward empowering women and ensuring safe, easy, and free travel in public buses. It replaces the old pink ticket system with a more digital, smooth, and convenient method. According to official data, over 100 crore pink tickets had been issued by the end of January 2023. By November 2024, the total number of pink tickets distributed crossed 150 crore. Women and transgenders in Delhi should take full advantage of this scheme and register as soon as it begins.
Instead of collecting pink tickets every time, users can simply carry this one card and show it while boarding the bus.
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Objective of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme
The main aim of the DTC Saheli Smart Card scheme is:
- To make public transport safer and more accessible for women and transgender people.
- To replace the outdated pink ticket system with a digital card system.
- To save time and make travel smooth for regular commuters.
- To encourage more women and transgenders to use public buses without worrying about ticket costs.
Overview of DTC Saheli Smart Card Scheme
| Scheme Name | DTC Saheli Smart Card |
| Launched By | Delhi Government |
| Launch Date | Expected on August 15 |
| Beneficiaries | Women and transgender residents of Delhi (12+) |
| Travel Type | Free travel in DTC and Cluster buses |
| Replacement of | Pink Ticket System |
| Validity | Only in Delhi buses (not for NCR) |
| Card Type | National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) |
| Use in Metro/Trains | Yes, but with regular fare |
| Registration Mode | Online via DTC portal |
Features of DTC Saheli Smart Card
- Free travel in all DTC and cluster buses.
- One-time registration, no need to take a pink ticket every time.
- Can be used like a metro card in other transport services (with charges).
- The whole process will be online and card will be sent to your home.
- Can be topped up for metro and train rides.
- Easy to use and carry, just show the card while entering the bus.
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Which Women Will Get Saheli Smart Card?
- Women above 12 years of age.
- Must be a permanent resident of Delhi.
- Transgender individuals living in Delhi are also eligible.
- There is no income limit to apply.
Key Concerns and Challenges Behind the DTC Saheli Smart Card Rollout
- Huge financial losses in DTC
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) reported total losses of over ₹70,471 crore, including an operational loss of ₹14,198 crore, as per a report shared in the Delhi Assembly. - Most bus routes not working fully
Out of 814 approved bus routes, only 468 were found to be active. This means many parts of Delhi may still not have proper bus service. - Fewer buses on the roads
The number of buses in Delhi decreased from 4,344 to 3,937 over time, which can affect the success of the Saheli Smart Card scheme due to lower availability. - Unused central government funds
The central government had given ₹233 crore for public transport in Delhi, but this amount was not used, as per official reports. - High spending on advertising
There were also claims that a large part of the transport budget was used for advertisements, instead of improving buses and public services. - CAG report and inquiry ordered
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted these issues, and now the Committee on Government Undertakings has been asked to investigate and submit a report within three months.
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How Will the DTC Saheli Smart Card Be Made?
Step 1: Online Registration
- Register and select your preferred bank from where you want the card.
- Visit the selected bank for KYC using your Aadhaar card.
- After verification, the card will be delivered to your home.
Step 2: Card Activation
- Once you receive the card, you must activate it through DTC’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS).
- After activation, you can start using the card for free bus rides.
- You can also top up the card for metro or rapid train travel.
Which Documents Are Required for Saheli Smart Card?
To apply, you need to provide:
- Aadhaar Card (for proof of Delhi residence)
- Address Proof
- PAN Card
- Passport-size Photo
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Do I Have to Pay for the Smart Card?
- The card is free of cost, provided by the Delhi Government.
- Banks may charge a small maintenance fee or delivery charge.
- These charges, if any, will be informed at the time of application.
If the Card is Lost
- You will need to visit the bank branch to get a new card.
- A replacement fee may be charged by the bank.
- The lost card will be deactivated before issuing a new one.
Where Will the Smart Card Work?
The free travel benefit is only for DTC and Cluster buses within Delhi.
You can use the card in Metro, Rapid Train, and other transport as a normal recharge card, but you will have to pay the fare there.
Will Smart Cards Be Made for Women of NCR Too?
No, at present, the Saheli Smart Card is only for Delhi residents. Women from Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, or Sonipat who work in Delhi will not be eligible. However, the government might consider expanding it in the future.
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FAQs – DTC Saheli Smart Card
What is the DTC Saheli Smart Card?
It’s a smart travel card that allows women and transgender persons in Delhi to travel for free in DTC and cluster buses.
Who can apply for the Saheli Smart Card?
Any woman or transgender person aged 12 or above, living permanently in Delhi.
Can I use the card on the Metro or Train?
Yes, but you’ll need to pay the fare for Metro or other trains using top-up.
What documents are needed?
Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, passport-size photo, and address proof.
Do I need to pay for the card?
No, the card is free, but banks may charge small service or delivery fees.
What if I lose my card?
You can get a new one from your bank. The lost card will be cancelled.
Is this for all of NCR?
No, only for Delhi residents. Women from nearby NCR cities are not eligible.