Delhi's Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Cards cross 8.4 lakh women beneficiaries
Synopsis
Over 8.40 lakh Delhi women have already received the free Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Card since its March 2 launch — and the card's reach is about to grow dramatically. Once topped up, it will work across DTC buses, the Delhi Metro, and the RRTS, turning a free-travel benefit into a full-scale integrated mobility pass under the Centre's One Nation, One Card framework.
Key Takeaways
8,40,618 Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Cards had been issued to women in Delhi as of 18 May .
The card has been distributed free of cost since 2 March , using a Zero-KYC Aadhaar-linked process.
Distribution spans 73 centres , including DTC Pass Sections, DM/SDM offices, and special camps.
The card will eventually replace pink paper tickets as the sole medium for free women's travel.
Future top-ups will make the card valid on Delhi Metro , RRTS , and other transit networks.
The Centre has sanctioned projects worth ₹1.31 lakh crore for Delhi-NCR infrastructure over 12 years .
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that more than 8.40 lakh women have received the 'Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Card' — a free transit card issued by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) since 2 March — as the city moves to digitise its women's free bus travel scheme. The milestone signals a rapid uptake of a card designed to replace paper-based pink tickets across Delhi's public transport network.
What the Pink Saheli Card Offers
The card is issued at zero cost and requires no extensive documentation — it operates on a 'Zero-KYC' model, activated through a mobile number linked to Aadhaar verification. Launched under the Centre's 'One Nation, One Card' initiative, it conforms to the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) standard, making it interoperable across transit systems.
As of 18 May, exactly 8,40,618 cards had been issued. Currently, both the traditional pink paper tickets and the new smart cards remain valid for free travel. However, officials indicated that the paper ticket option will eventually be phased out, with free travel accessible exclusively through the Pink Smart Card.
Distribution Network and Reach
Cards are being distributed across 73 centres — comprising 36 DTC Pass Sections, 17 District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices, and 20 special camps. Additional distribution points are being established in areas where demand is high, according to the official statement.
Future Interoperability Across Transit Modes
In its current form, the card covers DTC bus travel. Once topped up, it will be accepted on the Delhi Metro, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and other public transport networks — a significant expansion of its utility for daily commuters. This aligns with the broader NCMC vision of a single card usable across rail, metro, and bus systems nationwide.
Infrastructure Push in Delhi-NCR
Chief Minister Gupta also highlighted the Centre's wider infrastructure agenda for the capital, speaking after a briefing by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on road and connectivity projects across Delhi-NCR. She said projects worth ₹1.31 lakh crore had been sanctioned for the Delhi-NCR region over the past 12 years, covering expressways, elevated corridors, tunnels, and signal-free road networks aimed at reducing traffic congestion and pollution.
With the card rollout accelerating and interoperability with metro and RRTS on the horizon, the Pink Saheli scheme is set to become a cornerstone of Delhi's integrated public mobility framework for women.
Point of View
But the government has not yet detailed a fallback for those who cannot complete digital verification. The NCMC interoperability promise, meanwhile, is contingent on backend integration with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and RRTS operators — a coordination challenge that has historically delayed similar multi-agency rollouts in India.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Card in Delhi?
The Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Card is a free transit card issued by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to women, enabling free travel on DTC buses. Launched on 2 March under the Centre's One Nation, One Card initiative, it uses a Zero-KYC model requiring only Aadhaar and mobile number linkage.
How many women have received the Pink Saheli card so far?
As of 18 May, exactly 8,40,618 women in Delhi had received the card, with distribution continuing across 73 centres including DTC Pass Sections, DM/SDM offices, and special camps.
Will the Pink Saheli card work on Delhi Metro and RRTS?
Yes, once topped up, the card is designed to be valid on the Delhi Metro, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and other public transport networks, in line with the NCMC interoperability standard. The timeline for this expansion has not been specified.
Will pink paper tickets continue to be valid?
For now, both pink paper tickets and the new smart cards remain valid for free travel. However, officials have indicated that the paper ticket option will be phased out, after which the Pink Smart Card will be the only accepted medium for the free travel benefit.
Where can women get the Pink Saheli NCMC Smart Card?
The card is available at 73 distribution centres across Delhi, including 36 DTC Pass Sections, 17 District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices, and 20 special camps. Additional centres are being set up based on demand.
