Delhi launches Saheli Pink NCMC cards for women, replacing paper slips with a digital system. The initiative by Rekha Gupta and Droupadi Murmu enables free bus travel, metro integration, and safer, seamless commuting across Delhi.
A New Era for Women’s Mobility in Delhi
The Delhi government has officially announced its free travel scheme for women, from paper slips to a digital-first approach. On the first day of the rollout, over 3,600 “Saheli Pink” National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) were issued to women residents across the capital. This initiative, launched by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and President Droupadi Murmu, aims to modernise public transport while maintaining the promise of zero-cost commuting for women and transgender individuals. (Image credit: X)
Available at 50 Dedicated Centres
The government has established 50 distribution centres across the city, including District Magistrate (DM) offices, SDM offices, and major DTC depots like Scindia House, Kashmere Gate, and Rohini. On Tuesday, officials reported a steady stream of applicants, though the turnout was slightly lower than expected due to the Holi festival. (Image credit: PTI)
Seamless Verification via Aadhaar
Eligibility for the Pink Saheli card is strictly tied to residency in Delhi. Applicants must present their Aadhaar card at the designated counters to prove their domicile. The registration process is simple: officials record the commuter’s name, mobile number, and Aadhaar details, followed by a quick photo verification. This shift to a smart card-based system is designed to prevent duplication. (Image credit: PTI)
Travel with ‘One Nation, One Card’
A standout feature of the new Pink Card is its integration into the “One Nation, One Card” framework. While travel on DTC and cluster buses remains free, the card also functions as a standard mobility tool for other transit systems. Women can recharge the same card to pay for rides on the Delhi Metro and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). This integration eliminates the need for multiple cards, allowing for a seamless commute across different modes of transport in the National Capital Region (NCR). (Image credit: PTI)
Monthly Savings for Commuters
Industry experts suggest that the Pink Saheli card could help daily commuters save between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 2,400 per month. By removing the daily burden of transport costs, the Delhi government aims to increase the workforce participation of women and provide students and small business owners with greater financial flexibility. (Image credit: PTI)
The Future of Public Transport in Delhi
While the new smart cards are being phased in, the traditional paper-based “pink slips” will continue to be accepted by bus conductors for the time being. This ensures that women who haven’t yet visited a distribution centre are not denied their right to free travel. However, officials expect the paper system to be completely phased out once the majority of residents have switched to the digital Saheli Pink Card. (Image credit: PTI)
Safety and Digital Transparency
Beyond the financial benefits, the smart card enhances safety and transparency. Replacing the old pink paper tickets with a QR-code-based digital card allows the government to track journey patterns and monitor bus occupancy in real-time. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ensured that this technology-driven approach makes travel safer and more convenient. (Image credit: PTI)
