Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card 2026 is an NCMC-based smart card introduced for eligible beneficiaries of Delhi’s free bus-travel facility. The card is used for free travel on eligible DTC and Cluster buses in Delhi and is replacing the earlier paper-based Pink Ticket system.
The first eligible Pink Saheli Smart Card is issued free of cost. The current card-issuer information states that the card is available to eligible women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 5 years and above, subject to the applicable verification requirements.
Latest Update – 12 September 2026
The Delhi Government has extended the existing paper-based Pink Ticket arrangement until 17 September 2026.
This means eligible passengers can continue using the paper Pink Ticket for free travel during the transition period.
From 18 September 2026, the Pink Saheli Smart Card will be required to receive the free-travel benefit on eligible DTC and Cluster buses.
Important: 17 September 2026 is the end of the paper-ticket arrangement. It is not the final date for registering for the Smart Card. Eligible women who have not yet obtained their card can continue the registration and card-issuance process after the transition, subject to the current arrangements at designated centres.
The latest DTC website lists the August 2026 order concerning the extension of the mandatory Smart Card requirement. The September 17 extension was subsequently announced by the Delhi Government.
Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card 2026 – Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Name | Saheli Pink Smart Card / Pink NCMC Card |
| Card Type | National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) |
| Introduced | 2026 |
| Government | Government of NCT of Delhi |
| Implementing Transport Agency | Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Eligible women and transgender residents of Delhi |
| Current Age Information | 5 years and above, according to the current card issuer |
| Main Benefit | Free travel on eligible DTC and Cluster buses |
| First Card | Free |
| Replacement Card | ₹59 including GST |
| Paper Pink Ticket Valid Until | 17 September 2026 |
| Smart Card Required From | 18 September 2026 |
| Application/Issuance | Online self-registration and authorised DTC centres |
| Card Validity | 5 years from date of issuance, according to current issuer information |
| Metro/RRTS Use | Available as a paid NCMC service after recharge |
| Official Transport Website | Delhi Transport Corporation |
The DTC website provides official notices and information relating to the Pink Saheli Smart Card and its distribution arrangements.
What Is the Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card?
The Saheli Pink Smart Card is an NCMC-based mobility card introduced for Delhi’s free bus-travel facility.
Previously, eligible women could use a paper-based Pink Ticket to travel free on eligible DTC and Cluster buses. The Smart Card system is being introduced to replace that paper-based mechanism with a digital, tap-based system.
Under the new system, the beneficiary uses the Pink NCMC Card on the bus’s Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM).
The card also supports paid NCMC travel on compatible transport systems such as Metro and RRTS after the required recharge. However, Metro or RRTS travel is not free under the Delhi free-bus-travel benefit.
Latest Pink Saheli Smart Card Deadline
The transition deadline is currently one of the most important things beneficiaries need to know.
Paper Pink Ticket valid through 17 September 2026
The Delhi Government has extended the existing paper Pink Ticket arrangement through 17 September 2026.
Eligible passengers can therefore continue using the paper Pink Ticket for the free-travel facility during this transition period.
Smart Card required from 18 September 2026
From 18 September 2026, eligible passengers will need a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card to receive the free-travel benefit.
A passenger who is eligible for the scheme but does not have a valid card after the transition may have to purchase a normal ticket and pay the applicable fare.
Important clarification
The 17 September deadline applies to the paper-ticket arrangement, not to the permanent closure of Pink Smart Card registration.
According to the Delhi Government’s announcement, women who have not yet obtained their card can continue registering and getting the card issued through designated facilities after the paper-ticket transition ends.
Benefits of Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card
Eligible beneficiaries can receive the following benefits.
1. Free travel on eligible buses
The main benefit is free travel on eligible DTC and Cluster buses in Delhi, subject to the scheme’s rules.
2. NCMC-based smart card
The Pink Saheli Card uses the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system, allowing contactless card-based transactions.
3. First card is free
The first eligible Pink NCMC Card is issued free of cost.
4. Paid NCMC transport access
The card can also be used on compatible transport systems such as Metro and RRTS after the required recharge and subject to applicable fares and rules.
5. Digital and contactless travel
Instead of relying on a paper ticket, passengers can tap the Smart Card on the bus’s Electronic Ticketing Machine.
6. One card per eligible beneficiary
The current card-issuer information states that each eligible user can have only one Pink NCMC Card.
Who Is Eligible for the Saheli Pink Smart Card?
The current card-issuer information states that the Pink Saheli Card is available to:
- Women residing in Delhi
- Eligible transgender residents of Delhi
- Beneficiaries aged 5 years and above, according to the current card-issuer information
- Applicants who can complete the required Aadhaar and mobile-number verification
The free-travel benefit is subject to the eligibility and verification requirements applicable under the scheme.
Age Eligibility
The current MufinPay information for the Pink NCMC Card states that eligible women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 5 years and above can obtain the card.
Because eligibility requirements can be updated by the issuing authority, applicants should follow the latest requirements displayed by DTC or the authorised card-issuance centre at the time of application.
Documents Required for Saheli Pink Smart Card
The current card-issuer information lists the following requirements:
Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Applicant’s name and mobile-number details for verification
Aadhaar-based OTP verification may be required during the digital registration process.
Applicants should carry the physical Aadhaar Card when visiting an authorised issuance centre if requested by the issuing agency.
How to Apply for Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card 2026?
There are currently two ways applicants can begin the card-issuance process:
- Online self-registration
- Registration/issuance through an authorised DTC centre
The exact centre arrangements can change during the transition, so applicants should verify the current DTC instructions before visiting.
Method 1: Online Self-Registration
The current card-issuer information describes an online self-onboarding process.
Step 1: Open the Pink Smart Card application
Visit the designated Pink Saheli NCMC Card registration portal.
Step 2: Enter your mobile number
Provide the required mobile number and begin the verification process.
Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number
Enter the Aadhaar number requested by the application system.
Step 4: Complete OTP verification
Complete the required mobile/Aadhaar OTP verification.
Step 5: Generate the QR acknowledgement
After successful verification, the system generates a QR acknowledgement.
Step 6: Visit an authorised centre
Take the QR acknowledgement to an authorised DTC Pink Card issuance/distribution centre.
Step 7: Complete verification and collect the card
The centre’s authorised representative completes the required verification and issues the Pink Saheli Smart Card.
The current card-issuer information specifically describes this self-onboarding process as generating a QR acknowledgement that is subsequently presented at an authorised DTC centre.
Important: Application procedures and authorised-centre arrangements can change. Always follow the latest instructions displayed by DTC or the authorised card issuer.
Method 2: Apply Through an Authorised DTC Centre
Applicants can also visit an authorised Pink Saheli Smart Card distribution/issuance centre.
Generally, applicants should carry:
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-linked mobile phone
- Required personal details
- QR acknowledgement, if they completed online self-registration
The centre may complete the verification and card-issuance process on site.
Centre timings
The current card-issuer information lists authorised centre timings as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, applicants should confirm the latest operational timing before travelling because centre arrangements can change.
Saheli Pink Smart Card Distribution Centres in Delhi
DTC has established designated centres for Pink Saheli Smart Card distribution.
However, the centre network and operating arrangements have changed during the transition. In particular, the distribution system has moved away from some DM/SDM-based centres, with DTC Pink Pass Distribution Centres continuing to handle card distribution.
Therefore, instead of relying on an old static list of dozens of centres, applicants should check the latest official DTC distribution-centre information before visiting.
DTC’s official website provides the Pink Card distribution-centre information and related notices.
Tip: Do not travel to a centre solely because it appears on an older website or social-media list. Verify that the centre is currently authorised and operational.
Is the Saheli Pink Smart Card Free?
Yes.
The first eligible Pink Saheli Smart Card is issued free of charge according to the current card-issuer information.
Replacement card fee
If the card is lost or damaged, the current replacement-card charge is:
₹59 including GST
This replaces older information that quoted a ₹49 replacement fee. The current card-issuer information lists the replacement fee as ₹59.
Can the Saheli Pink Smart Card Be Used in Delhi Metro?
Yes, but Metro travel is not free under the Saheli bus-travel benefit.
The Pink NCMC Card can be used for compatible Metro and RRTS services after the card has the required balance/recharge.
The free-travel benefit under the Delhi Pink Saheli arrangement applies to eligible DTC and Cluster bus journeys.
Therefore:
- DTC/eligible Cluster bus: Free under the scheme, subject to eligibility and rules
- Delhi Metro: Paid NCMC travel
- RRTS: Paid NCMC travel where supported
- Metro/RRTS recharge: Required before paid travel
The card issuer states that the card supports Metro/RRTS use and that free travel is applicable only on DTC buses.
How to Recharge the Pink NCMC Card for Metro Travel?
The Pink NCMC Card has a wallet facility for paid transport use.
According to the current card-issuer information, users can add money using the QR code on the back of the card through a UPI app. The balance may then need to be topped up at an applicable NCMC/Metro facility before use.
This recharge facility is separate from the free DTC bus-travel benefit.
How Long Is the Saheli Pink Smart Card Valid?
The current card-issuer information states that the Pink Smart Card has a validity of five years from the date of issuance.
Beneficiaries should check the card and latest issuer instructions if they need a replacement, renewal or other card-related service.
What Happens If I Do Not Get the Smart Card by 17 September 2026?
The paper Pink Ticket arrangement currently continues through 17 September 2026.
From 18 September 2026, the Smart Card system will be used for the free-travel benefit.
If an eligible passenger does not have a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card after the transition, they may need to purchase a regular bus ticket until they obtain the required card.
However, 17 September is not the final date for Smart Card registration. The Delhi Government has clarified that card registration and issuance can continue after the paper-ticket transition through designated facilities.
For uninterrupted free travel, eligible beneficiaries should obtain their card as early as possible.
Can I Still Use the Paper Pink Ticket?
Yes, through 17 September 2026.
The Delhi Government has extended the existing paper Pink Ticket arrangement until September 17 to allow a smoother transition to the Smart Card system.
From 18 September 2026, eligible passengers will need the Pink Saheli Smart Card for the free-travel benefit.
Can I Apply for the Smart Card After 17 September 2026?
Yes.
The September 17 date should not be interpreted as the permanent closure of Smart Card registration.
The deadline applies to the paper Pink Ticket arrangement. Women who have not yet obtained their Smart Card can continue the registration and issuance process through designated facilities after the transition.
However, if you do not have the required Smart Card when travelling after September 17, you may need to purchase a normal ticket until your card is issued.
Is Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card Yojana Being Discontinued?
No.
The current change is the transition from the paper Pink Ticket system to the Pink Saheli Smart Card system.
The Delhi Government has extended paper-ticket travel only through September 17, after which the Smart Card system is scheduled to become mandatory for the free-travel facility.
The Smart Card programme itself is not being discontinued.
Important Things to Remember
Before applying for or using the Pink Saheli Smart Card, keep these points in mind:
- The card is intended for eligible beneficiaries under Delhi’s free bus-travel facility.
- The current card-issuer information lists eligibility for women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 5 years and above.
- Aadhaar and mobile-number verification are required for card issuance.
- The first card is free.
- A replacement card currently costs ₹59 including GST.
- Only one Pink NCMC Card is permitted per eligible user according to the current card-issuer information.
- The paper Pink Ticket remains valid through 17 September 2026.
- From 18 September 2026, a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card will be required for the free-travel benefit.
- September 17 is the end of the paper-ticket arrangement, not the permanent end of card registration.
- The free-travel benefit applies to eligible DTC and Cluster buses.
- Metro and RRTS travel using the NCMC card is a paid service and requires the applicable balance/recharge.
- Centre locations and operating arrangements can change, so check the latest DTC information before visiting.
- Do not rely on old social-media posts or outdated centre lists for application information.
Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card 2026 – FAQs
1. What is the Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card?
The Saheli Pink Smart Card is an NCMC-based card used for the Delhi free bus-travel facility for eligible beneficiaries. It is replacing the earlier paper Pink Ticket system.
2. Who can get the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
The current card-issuer information states that eligible women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 5 years and above can obtain the card, subject to the applicable verification requirements.
3. Is the first Pink Smart Card free?
Yes. The first eligible Pink Saheli Smart Card is issued free of cost.
4. What documents are required?
Aadhaar Card and the required Aadhaar-linked mobile-number verification are the main requirements listed by the current card issuer.
5. Can I apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card online?
Yes. The current issuer provides an online self-registration process involving mobile/Aadhaar verification and a QR acknowledgement, followed by card collection/issuance through an authorised centre.
6. Do I have to visit a centre after online registration?
Yes. The current self-onboarding process requires the QR acknowledgement to be presented at an authorised DTC centre for the card-issuance process.
7. Is the Pink Smart Card free for the first time?
Yes. The first eligible card is free.
8. How much does a replacement Pink Smart Card cost?
The current replacement charge is ₹59 including GST.
9. What is the last date for using the paper Pink Ticket?
The current paper Pink Ticket arrangement is valid through 17 September 2026.
10. When will the Pink Smart Card become mandatory?
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is scheduled to become mandatory for the free-travel benefit from 18 September 2026.
11. Is 17 September the last date to apply for the Smart Card?
No. The September 17 deadline applies to the paper Pink Ticket arrangement. Card registration and issuance can continue after the transition through designated facilities.
12. Can the Pink Saheli Card be used in Delhi Metro?
Yes, the NCMC card can be used for compatible Metro travel after recharge, but Metro travel is not free under the Saheli free-bus-travel benefit.
13. Can the card be used on RRTS?
The current card issuer states that the Pink NCMC Card supports compatible RRTS travel. Applicable fares and recharge requirements apply.
14. How long is the Pink Smart Card valid?
The current card-issuer information states that the card is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
15. Can one person have more than one Pink Smart Card?
The current card-issuer information states that each eligible user can have only one Pink NCMC Card.
16. What happens if I do not have a Smart Card after 17 September?
From September 18, eligible passengers without a valid Smart Card may need to purchase a regular bus ticket until they obtain and activate the required card.
17. Is the Saheli Pink Smart Card scheme ending?
No. The current change is the replacement of the paper Pink Ticket system with the Smart Card system.
Official Links
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)
Use the official DTC website for current notices, circulars and Pink Saheli Smart Card information.
DTC Pink NCMC Card Distribution Centres
Official DTC Pink Card Distribution Centres
Check this information before visiting a centre because distribution arrangements can change.
MufinPay DTC Pink NCMC Card
MufinPay DTC Pink NCMC Card Information
This page contains the current card-issuer information regarding eligibility, registration, fees, replacement, validity and NCMC usage.
Update
The latest major change is the extension of the paper Pink Ticket arrangement through 17 September 2026.
From 18 September 2026, eligible passengers will need a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card to continue receiving the free-travel benefit on eligible DTC and Cluster buses.
Importantly, 17 September is not the final date for Pink Smart Card registration. It marks the end of the temporary paper-ticket arrangement. Eligible applicants who have not yet obtained their card can continue the card-registration and issuance process through the designated facilities after the transition.
CitizensBenefit.in Note
Government schemes, eligibility rules, card-issuance procedures, fees, deadlines and distribution-centre arrangements can change through official orders and administrative updates. CitizensBenefit.in makes every effort to keep this information updated, but readers should verify the latest DTC notification or authorised card-issuer information before travelling or visiting a card-distribution centre.