New Delhi, Nov 2 (NationPress) In a significant move to empower women, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged women to sign up for the 'Pink Saheli Smart Card' on Sunday. This initiative promises to facilitate free and easy travel for women, girls over 12 years, and transgender individuals across DTC buses.

CM Gupta encouraged women and girls to register online, stating on X, “The Delhi government has introduced the 'Pink Saheli Smart Card' for women and transgender.”

This customized smart card will feature the cardholder's name and photograph. Besides offering free travel on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster Bus services, it will include top-up/recharge capabilities for use in other transport systems.

“Now, daughters, sisters, and mothers aged 12 and above can travel freely and conveniently on DTC and cluster buses,” CM Gupta stated in a message that included a video showcasing the card.

CM Gupta emphasized, “This initiative is a remarkable step towards facilitating easier travel for women in Delhi, encouraging the use of public transport, and honoring women's empowerment.”

An official announcement indicated that the 'Pink Saheli Smart Card' will be distributed under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework.

This card will offer free travel solely on the DTC and Cluster buses while also supporting recharge options for other transit modes. “To apply for the digital card, individuals must be legitimate residents of Delhi, aged 12 years or older, and possess valid identification,” the statement specified.

Previously, the DTC issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Empanelment of Banks to provide Smart Cards for public transport in Delhi, including a special Bus Travel Card for Women/Transgender (both NCMC Cards).

This NCMC card will be utilized in its NCMC Compliant AFCS Project through PoS/ETIM, among other public transport systems, according to an official release.

During the selection of banks and financial institutions for Smart Card issuance, the DTC clarified that the arrangement would last for five years.

The personalized smart card will display the cardholder's name and image. In addition to enabling complimentary travel on the DTC and Cluster Bus network, it will also support top-up/recharge functionality for other transport systems, as per the EOI issued by the transport corporation.

Online registration for the Saheli Card is available on the official Delhi government website and the Saheli Card portal.

The Saheli Card aims to replace the outdated paper pink ticket system, which had several limitations and was vulnerable to misuse. The smart card will ensure that benefits are directed to genuine residents, preventing misuse by individuals from outside Delhi.

The DTC currently operates 44 bus depots around the clock in Delhi and one in Noida. As of July, it had a fleet of 3,266 buses (1,950 Electric and 1,694 CNG) running from these depots.

These bus depots are categorized into four regions - North, East, West, and South - with each overseen by a Regional Manager, while each depot is managed by a Depot Manager. Additionally, the DTC has four corporate offices and 40 Pass Sections throughout the Capital.