Delhi's New Pink Sahyogi Smart Card for Free Bus Travel Launches August 1

Beginning August 1, women in Delhi will be required to use the new Pink Sahyogi Smart Card for free travel on DTC buses, phasing out paper tickets. This initiative aims to streamline the boarding process and enhance tracking of passenger data. The smart card, launched by President Droupadi Murmu, links to users' Aadhaar and mobile numbers, ensuring eligibility for free travel. It also supports the 'One Nation, One Card' initiative, allowing use across various public transport systems. Discover how this change will impact daily commuters in Delhi.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 17:10 IST

Introduction of the Pink Sahyogi Smart Card

Starting August 1, women in Delhi will need to carry and tap the Pink Sahyogi Smart Card to enjoy free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. This decision comes as the government plans to phase out the existing paper-based pink tickets. According to a DTC circular, eligible female passengers will continue to receive paper pink tickets until July 31.

Eligibility and Usage of the Smart Card

From August 1, only women possessing a valid Pink Sahyogi Smart Card (NCMC) will be able to travel for free. They must tap the card while boarding DTC and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) operated cluster buses. The circular specifies that after July 31, passengers without the smart card will not be issued pink tickets and will need to purchase regular tickets and pay the applicable fare.

Differences Between the New Smart Card and Old Paper Tickets

Previously, women had to approach the conductor for a paper ticket each time they boarded a bus, a process deemed slow, manual, and prone to misuse by officials. The Pink Sahyogi Smart Card digitizes this entire process: it is a personalized NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) featuring the woman's photo and a unique QR code, allowing for a single tap upon boarding, similar to how metro cards function. This transition will also enable DTC to more accurately track passenger numbers and prevent duplicate or unauthorized usage.

What is the Pink Sahyogi Smart Card?

The smart card was officially launched by President Droupadi Murmu during a state government event in March. Its purpose is to provide free travel on DTC buses for women and transgender residents of Delhi. These cards are linked to the beneficiary's Aadhaar and mobile number to verify their age, gender, and residency in Delhi. Furthermore, under the 'One Nation, One Card' initiative, the card can also be used for regular fare payment on other public transport systems like the Delhi Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).