Saheli Smart Card Scheme Delhi 2025: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply Online

In a transformative move to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and safety in public transportation, the Delhi government has introduced the Saheli Smart Card Scheme 2025, a pioneering initiative aimed at providing free bus travel to women and transgender residents of Delhi. Launched as a replacement for the earlier “Pink Ticket” system, the Saheli Smart Card is a digital travel pass designed to streamline commuting, reduce financial burdens, and promote dignity and security for its beneficiaries. Set to roll out on August 15, 2025, this scheme marks a significant step toward modernizing Delhi’s public transport system while prioritizing women’s empowerment and transgender inclusivity. This article delves into the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and broader impact of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme.

{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}

What is Saheli Smart Card?

The Saheli Smart Card Scheme, launched by the Delhi government in 2025, is a transformative initiative aimed at providing free bus travel to women and transgender residents of Delhi on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses. Replacing the earlier paper-based Pink Ticket system, the Saheli Smart Card is a personalized, digital travel pass integrated with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework, ensuring a secure and efficient commuting experience. Designed to promote gender inclusivity, the scheme targets Delhi residents aged 12 and above, requiring Aadhaar-based KYC verification and proof of residency for eligibility.

Saheli Smart Card Scheme Delhi

Beyond free bus rides, the card supports cashless payments for other transit modes like the Delhi Metro, enhancing multi-modal connectivity. With features like personalized cards, future mobile app integration, and a focus on safety and dignity, the scheme empowers women and transgender individuals, reduces financial burdens, and aligns with Delhi’s vision for a modern, sustainable public transport system.

Lic kanyadan policy

Saheli Smart Card Delhi Highlights

Highlight	Details
Scheme Name	Saheli Smart Card Scheme 2025
Launch Date	August 15, 2025
Target Group	Women and transgender residents of Delhi, aged 12 and above
Primary Benefit	Unlimited free travel on DTC and cluster buses
Eligibility	Delhi residency, verified via Aadhaar, voter ID, or utility bill
Card Type	Personalized, digital smart card under NCMC framework
Application Process	Online registration via DTC portal, KYC verification at banks
Documents Required	Aadhaar, proof of address, passport-sized photographs, PAN (if required)
Multi-Modal Use	Supports cashless payments for Delhi Metro with top-up
Safety & Sustainability	Promotes safe travel and use of eco-friendly buses (1,950 electric)

Yeshasvini scheme for women

Background of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme

The Saheli Smart Card Scheme builds on the legacy of the “Pink Ticket” system, introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in October 2019. The Pink Ticket initiative allowed women to travel free of cost on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses, significantly increasing female ridership. By January 2023, over 100 crore pink tickets had been issued, and by November 2024, this number surpassed 150 crore, with women accounting for nearly 32% of monthly bus passengers in 2022. However, the paper-based system faced criticism for inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and alleged mismanagement, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government claiming it led to substantial financial losses for DTC.

To address these challenges, the Delhi government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, announced the Saheli Smart Card Scheme in the 2025-26 Budget speech. The initiative aims to digitize and localize the free travel program, ensuring benefits are directed exclusively to Delhi residents while plugging revenue leakages. The scheme operates under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework, aligning with India’s vision for a unified, modernized public transport system.

Eligibility Criteria for the Saheli Smart Card

The Saheli Smart Card Scheme is designed to cater specifically to Delhi residents, introducing stricter eligibility criteria compared to the Pink Ticket system, which allowed all women, regardless of residency, to avail free rides. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

Residency: Applicants must be bona fide residents of Delhi. Valid proof of address, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bill, is mandatory to verify residency. Women and transgender individuals from neighboring National Capital Region (NCR) areas like Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, or Faridabad are currently ineligible for free travel benefits, though they may use the card for paid services.
Age: The scheme is open to women and transgender individuals aged 12 years and above. This ensures that young girls, students, and working professionals can benefit from the initiative.
Gender: The scheme is exclusively for women and transgender individuals, reflecting its focus on promoting gender inclusivity and safety in public transport.

Objectives of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme Delhi 2025

The Saheli Smart Card Scheme, launched by the Delhi government, aims to empower women and transgender individuals by providing free and safe public transportation. The scheme replaces the earlier Pink Ticket system with a modernized, digital travel pass under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework. Below are the key objectives of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme 2025:

Promote Gender Inclusivity and Empowerment:

The scheme seeks to enhance mobility for women and transgender individuals, enabling access to education, employment, and essential services without financial barriers, thereby fostering gender equity and social inclusion.

Ensure Free and Accessible Public Transport:

By offering unlimited free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses, the scheme aims to reduce commuting costs for Delhi’s women and transgender residents, particularly benefiting low-income groups, students, and daily wage workers.

Enhance Safety and Dignity:

The initiative prioritizes the safety and dignity of women and transgender individuals by encouraging the use of regulated public buses, reducing reliance on private or informal transport options.

Modernize Public Transport Infrastructure:

By integrating with the NCMC framework and Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), the scheme aims to digitize and streamline the ticketing process, replacing the inefficient paper-based Pink Ticket system with a secure, personalized smart card.

Ensure Targeted Benefits for Delhi Residents:

The scheme restricts free travel benefits to verified Delhi residents, ensuring that local taxpayers’ resources are utilized efficiently and addressing concerns about misuse or revenue leakages.

Support Multi-Modal Transport Integration:

The Saheli Smart Card is designed to support cashless payments for other transit modes, such as the Delhi Metro, promoting a seamless and versatile commuting experience across different transport systems.

Promote Environmental Sustainability:

By encouraging the use of DTC’s eco-friendly fleet, including 1,950 electric buses, the scheme contributes to reducing carbon emissions and supporting Delhi’s sustainable urban mobility goals.

Increase Transparency and Accountability:

Through mandatory KYC verification and personalized cards, the scheme aims to prevent misuse, enhance transparency, and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

Facilitate Digital Innovation:

With plans for a dedicated mobile app, the scheme seeks to offer features like online ticketing, balance checks, and multi-modal journey planning, aligning with Delhi’s vision for a smart, technology-driven transport ecosystem.

Reduce Financial Burden on DTC:

By addressing inefficiencies in the previous Pink Ticket system, the scheme aims to plug revenue leakages and ensure the financial sustainability of DTC while continuing to provide free travel benefits.

Benefits of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme

The Saheli Smart Card Scheme offers a range of benefits, making it a game-changer for public transportation in Delhi. Below are the key advantages:

Free Travel on DTC and Cluster Buses

The primary benefit of the Saheli Smart Card is unlimited free travel on all DTC and cluster buses for eligible women and transgender individuals. With DTC operating a fleet of 3,266 buses (1,950 electric and 1,694 CNG) across 44 depots in Delhi and one in Noida, the scheme covers a vast network, serving approximately 26 lakh daily passengers on DTC buses and 16.4 lakh on cluster buses. This initiative reduces commuting costs, making public transport accessible to low-income groups, students, and daily wage workers.

Personalized and Secure Digital Pass

Unlike the paper-based Pink Ticket system, the Saheli Smart Card is a personalized travel pass featuring the cardholder’s name and photograph. This enhances security by preventing misuse and ensures that only verified users benefit from free rides. The card operates under the NCMC framework, integrating seamlessly with Delhi’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) for a smooth, paperless experience.

Multi-Modal Compatibility

While free travel is restricted to DTC and cluster buses, the Saheli Smart Card supports recharge and top-up functionality, allowing users to pay for other transit modes, such as the Delhi Metro. This versatility makes the card a convenient option for commuters using multiple forms of public transport. Non-KYC cards are also available for cashless travel, though they do not offer free ride benefits.

Enhanced Safety and Dignity

The scheme prioritizes the safety and dignity of women and transgender individuals. By providing free access to public buses, it encourages the use of safe, regulated transport options, reducing reliance on private or informal alternatives. The personalized card also minimizes disputes or confusion during boarding.

Future Digital Integration

The Delhi government plans to launch a mobile app for the Saheli Smart Card, enabling users to buy tickets online, purchase daily or monthly concessional passes, check card balances, recharge funds, and plan multi-modal travel. While these features are still under development, they promise to enhance user convenience and align with Delhi’s vision for a smart, digital transport ecosystem.

Replacement for Lost Cards

In case of loss, users can contact the issuing bank to obtain a duplicate card, ensuring continued access to the scheme’s benefits. While banks may charge a nominal fee for issuance or maintenance, the Delhi government has committed to providing the card free of charge, with only minimal courier or processing fees, if applicable.

Required documents

Documentation: To obtain the card, applicants must provide:

Aadhaar card (mandatory for KYC verification).
PAN card (if available, as per bank requirements).
Passport-sized photographs.
Proof of Delhi residence (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID, or utility bill).
Additional bank-specific KYC documents, if required.

The emphasis on Delhi residency and KYC verification ensures that the scheme’s benefits are targeted and traceable, addressing concerns about misuse and ensuring accountability.

How to Apply for the Saheli Smart Card Online

The application process for the Saheli Smart Card is entirely online, ensuring accessibility and transparency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

Online Registration: Visit the official DTC portal (exact URL to be announced closer to the launch date).

Complete the registration form with personal details, including name, age, gender, and proof of Delhi residency.
Select a participating bank for card issuance.

KYC Verification: Visit the chosen bank branch to complete full KYC verification.

Submit required documents: Aadhaar card, PAN card (if required), passport-sized photographs, and proof of address.
Additional bank-specific documents may be requested.

Card Issuance: After successful KYC verification, the bank will issue the Saheli Smart Card.

The card will be delivered to the applicant’s registered home address via courier.

Card Activation: Activate the card through DTC’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) at designated terminals or bus depots.

Once activated, the card is ready for unlimited free travel on DTC and cluster buses.

Optional Top-Up: For use on other transit modes like the Delhi Metro, top up the card with funds at bank branches, DTC terminals, or through the upcoming mobile app.

The process is designed to be user-friendly, with banks handling card issuance to ensure efficiency and security. Applicants are advised to report lost cards immediately to the issuing bank to obtain a replacement.

Broader Impact of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme

The Saheli Smart Card Scheme is more than a transport initiative; it is a step toward gender equity and social inclusion. By targeting women and transgender individuals, the scheme addresses systemic barriers to mobility, empowering these groups to access education, employment, and essential services without financial strain. The focus on Delhi residents ensures that local taxpayers’ benefits are prioritized, while the digital infrastructure reduces corruption and enhances transparency.

The scheme also aligns with Delhi’s broader vision to modernize public transport. The integration with the NCMC framework and the planned mobile app reflect a commitment to leveraging technology for a seamless commuting experience. Furthermore, the initiative supports environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of DTC’s eco-friendly fleet, which includes 1,950 electric buses.

Challenges and Future Considerations

While the Saheli Smart Card Scheme is a promising step, challenges remain. The exclusion of NCR residents has sparked debate, as many women from neighboring areas commute to Delhi for work. The government has indicated potential future inclusion, but no concrete plans have been announced. Additionally, the transition from paper tickets to digital cards may pose challenges for less tech-savvy users, necessitating awareness campaigns and support systems.

The nominal fees charged by banks for card issuance or maintenance could also deter some applicants, though the government’s commitment to free cards mitigates this concern. Finally, the success of the scheme will depend on robust implementation, including timely card issuance, reliable AFCS infrastructure, and the rollout of the promised mobile app.

Conclusion

The Saheli Smart Card Scheme 2025 is a landmark initiative that reaffirms Delhi’s commitment to inclusive, safe, and sustainable public transportation. By offering free bus travel to women and transgender residents, the scheme empowers marginalized groups, enhances mobility, and modernizes the city’s transport ecosystem. With its user-friendly application process, multi-modal compatibility, and focus on security, the Saheli Smart Card is poised to transform the commuting experience for millions. As Delhi prepares to launch this scheme on Independence Day 2025, it sets a new standard for gender-inclusive urban policies, paving the way for a more equitable and connected capital.

Saheli Smart Card Scheme Delhi 2025 FAQs

Q. What is the Saheli Smart Card Scheme?

The Saheli Smart Card Scheme is a Delhi government initiative launched in 2025 to provide free bus travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses to women and transgender residents of Delhi. It replaces the earlier Pink Ticket system with a digital, personalized smart card under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework.

Q. Who is eligible for the Saheli Smart Card?

Eligibility criteria include:

Residency: Must be a bona fide resident of Delhi with valid proof of address (e.g., Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bill).
Age: Women and transgender individuals aged 12 years and above.
Gender: Exclusively for women and transgender individuals.
Required documents: Aadhaar card (mandatory), PAN card (if required), passport-sized photographs, and proof of Delhi residency.

Q. Can women from NCR regions like Noida or Gurugram apply?

No, the scheme is currently restricted to Delhi residents only. Women and transgender individuals from NCR areas like Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, or Faridabad are ineligible for free travel benefits but can use the card for paid services.

Q. What are the benefits of the Saheli Smart Card?

Unlimited free travel on DTC and cluster buses.
Personalized, secure card with the cardholder’s name and photograph.
Compatibility with other transit modes (e.g., Delhi Metro) through cashless top-up.
Enhanced safety and dignity for women and transgender commuters.
Future integration with a mobile app for online ticketing and journey planning.

Q. How do I apply for the Saheli Smart Card?

The application process is online:

Visit the official DTC portal (URL to be announced).
Fill out the registration form with personal details and select a participating bank.
Complete KYC verification at the chosen bank branch with required documents (Aadhaar, proof of address, photographs).
The card will be issued by the bank and delivered to your registered address.
Activate the card at DTC terminals or depots for use.

Q. Is there any cost to obtain the Saheli Smart Card?

The Delhi government has stated that the card is provided free of charge. However, banks may charge a nominal fee for issuance, maintenance, or courier services, if applicable.

Q. What documents are required for the application?

Aadhaar card (mandatory for KYC).
Proof of Delhi residency (e.g., Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill).
Passport-sized photographs.
PAN card (if required by the bank).
Additional bank-specific KYC documents, if requested.

Q. Can the Saheli Smart Card be used for other transport modes?

Yes, the card supports cashless payments for other transit modes like the Delhi Metro, provided it is topped up with funds. However, free travel is limited to DTC and cluster buses.

Q. What happens if I lose my Saheli Smart Card?

In case of loss, contact the issuing bank to report it and request a duplicate card. A nominal fee may apply for reissuance, and the new card will be delivered after verification.

Q. How is the Saheli Smart Card different from the Pink Ticket system?

The Saheli Smart Card is a digital, personalized travel pass, unlike the paper-based Pink Ticket system. It includes:KYC verification to ensure benefits are for Delhi residents only.
Integration with the NCMC framework for multi-modal compatibility.
Enhanced security and transparency to prevent misuse.
Future mobile app support for added convenience.

Q. Will there be a mobile app for the Saheli Smart Card?

Yes, the Delhi government plans to launch a mobile app to support online ticketing, balance checks, recharges, and multi-modal journey planning. The app is still under development, with no confirmed launch date yet.

Q. Can non-residents use the Saheli Smart Card?

Non-residents can obtain a non-KYC Saheli Smart Card for cashless travel but will not be eligible for free rides on DTC or cluster buses.

Q. How many buses are covered under the scheme?

The scheme covers DTC’s fleet of 3,266 buses (1,950 electric and 1,694 CNG) and cluster buses, serving approximately 26 lakh daily passengers on DTC buses and 16.4 lakh on cluster buses.

Q. When will the Saheli Smart Card Scheme be launched?

The scheme is set to be launched on August 15, 2025, as announced by the Delhi government.