Delhi Launches ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card Delhi’: Empowering Women and Transgenders with Free Bus Travel in 2025
Pink Saheli Smart Card Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announces the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card Delhi’ — a groundbreaking initiative allowing women and transgender individuals to travel free on DTC and cluster buses. Learn how this move empowers women, promotes safety, and simplifies urban travel across the capital.
🚏 Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Launches ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’: Free Bus Travel for Women and Transgenders
In a landmark step towards women empowerment and inclusive urban mobility, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced the launch of the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’, a digital travel pass that allows women and transgender individuals to travel free of cost on all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses.
This progressive initiative eliminates the hassle of buying tickets daily, making public transport more accessible, safe, and convenient — especially for working women, students, and marginalized communities.
🎯 Objective Behind the Pink Saheli Smart Card
The Delhi Government’s ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ is not merely a travel pass — it’s a social reform tool. Its primary aim is to:
- Promote women’s mobility and independence
- Encourage the use of public transport over private vehicles
- Ensure safety, dignity, and convenience for women and transgender travelers
- Reduce financial barriers for economically weaker sections
- Promote eco-friendly transportation and reduce congestion
As CM Rekha Gupta stated during the announcement,
“The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a tribute to the spirit of Nari Shakti. It’s our commitment to making Delhi safer, stronger, and more inclusive for every woman and transgender individual.”
🚍 How the Pink Saheli Smart Card Works
The card will function similarly to other transport smart cards but with added benefits for eligible users.
Key Features:
- Free Travel: Women and transgender persons can travel free on all DTC and cluster buses.
- Smart Technology: The card will be linked to digital ID verification to prevent misuse.
- Ease of Use: No need to stand in queues or buy tickets daily — just tap and travel.
- Automatic Renewal: Validity and benefits will auto-renew every year.
- Data-Driven Monitoring: The system will track usage to improve routes and safety infrastructure.
Women aged 12 years and above will be eligible to apply for this card. The move ensures that school-going girls, working women, and elderly citizens all benefit equally.
📝 How to Apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card
Delhi residents can apply both online and offline.
Online Application Process:
- Visit the official Delhi Transport Department website.
- Click on the “Pink Saheli Smart Card” section.
- Fill out the form with your personal details (Name, Aadhaar, DOB, Address).
- Upload required documents — ID proof, age proof, and photograph.
- Submit the form and wait for verification.
Once approved, applicants will receive their digital smart card via email and can also collect the physical card at designated centers.
Offline Method:
Applicants can also visit:
- DTC depots
- Delhi government facilitation centers
- Common Service Centers (CSCs)
Staff will help complete the form, collect documents, and issue the card on the spot or within a few working days.
🕒 Implementation Timeline
The online registration portal for the Pink Saheli Smart Card opens in November 2025. The first phase will focus on Delhi’s urban and semi-urban bus routes, gradually expanding to cover rural and border zones by mid-2026.
💬 Public Reaction and Social Impact
The announcement has received an overwhelmingly positive response across Delhi. Women commuters welcomed the move as a significant step toward gender equality and economic freedom.
1. Empowering Working Women
For thousands of working women who rely on public buses, this initiative means monthly savings and reduced dependency on unsafe transport options.
2. Encouraging Education
Free travel for schoolgirls and college students ensures that education is not hindered by travel costs. Many parents, especially from low-income backgrounds, consider this a relief.
3. Transgender Inclusion
For the first time, a Delhi government transport scheme has explicitly included transgender persons. This marks a progressive milestone in recognizing their rights and improving access to public facilities.
4. Environmental Impact
By encouraging more people to use public transport, the initiative is expected to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions — a win for Delhi’s environment.
🏫 Education Reform: Recognition for Private Schools in Non-Conforming Areas
In a parallel move, the Delhi government also announced a policy reform aimed at improving access to education.
Under CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership, the government will grant recognition to private unaided schools operating in non-conforming areas.
This decision ensures that thousands of students studying in such institutions will not lose their right to education due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Application Process and Deadline
- Portal Opens: November 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
- Schools meeting the prescribed norms will receive recognition after verification.
Education Minister Ashish Sood termed this a “historic and inclusive decision” that will restore the constitutional right to education for countless children in Delhi.
💪 A Step Towards Gender Equality and Inclusive Growth
Both initiatives — Pink Saheli Smart Card and School Recognition Reform — reflect Delhi’s vision of an inclusive, equitable, and progressive society.
By ensuring mobility and education — two critical pillars of empowerment — the Delhi government has taken a comprehensive approach to development.
🧩 Comparing Pink Saheli Smart Card with Other Schemes
| Scheme | Beneficiary Group | Benefit Type | Launched By | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pink Saheli Smart Card | Women & Transgenders | Free Bus Travel | Delhi Govt (2025) | Empower mobility & safety |
| Ladli Scheme | Girl Child | Financial Assistance | Delhi Govt | Promote girl education |
| Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana | Women | Monthly Allowance | Delhi Govt | Financial independence |
| PM Ujjwala Yojana | Rural Women | Free LPG Connections | Central Govt | Health & empowerment |
📈 Expected Benefits of the Pink Saheli Smart Card
- Economic Relief: Women can save up to ₹1,000–₹2,000 per month on travel expenses.
- Safety Boost: Encourages women to use public buses with integrated CCTV and panic button systems.
- Increased Workforce Participation: Easier commute could increase female workforce participation by 10–15%.
- Public Transport Revival: More ridership means more funding and better infrastructure for DTC.
- Digital Governance: Promotes paperless ticketing and digital inclusion.
🔮 Future Vision
The Delhi government plans to integrate the Pink Saheli Smart Card with other digital public services — such as metro passes, health cards, and e-wallets — to create a Unified Delhi Smart Card by 2027.
This would enable citizens to use one single card for travel, healthcare, education, and welfare schemes.
🗣️ Voices from the Ground
“Now I don’t have to worry about daily bus fare while going to work. This card gives us both convenience and dignity,” says Pooja Sharma, a domestic worker from Lajpat Nagar.
“The inclusion of transgenders is revolutionary. It shows that the Delhi government is serious about equality,” adds Ritika Singh, a social activist.
“Free travel for women students will motivate parents to continue their daughters’ education,” says Meenakshi Joshi, a school principal.
🧭 Conclusion: Delhi Leading the Way in Social Innovation
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is not just a transport scheme — it’s a symbol of freedom, safety, and equality.
By removing financial barriers and promoting inclusive policies, Delhi under CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership is setting an example for other states to follow.
With a focus on women’s empowerment, digital transformation, and social welfare, Delhi’s 2025 reforms are shaping the capital into a progressive and people-first city.
✅ Summary Points:
- Pink Saheli Smart Card gives free DTC travel to women & transgenders.
- Online applications open November 2025.
- Over 12 lakh women expected to benefit initially.
- Schools in non-conforming areas get recognition — promoting education rights.
- Delhi is making gender equality a transport reality.
