- By VK Shukla
- Sat, 01 Aug 2026 08:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Pink Ticket free bus travel extended until August 15.
- Pink Saheli Smart Card mandatory for free travel post August 15.
- Extension allows women commuters time to obtain smart cards.
State Bureau, New Delhi: In a major relief to women commuters across the national capital, the Delhi government has extended the Pink Ticket facility for free bus travel until August 15.
The Transport Department had previously directed that the Pink Saheli Smart Card would become mandatory for free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses starting August 1. Under the revised timeline, the smart card will now become mandatory starting August 16.
Speaking to Jagran.com, officials stated that the extension aims to ensure that all eligible passengers have sufficient time to secure their cards without experiencing any disruption to their daily travel.
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How Are Women Travelling Right Now?
Currently, women commuters are travelling for free on DTC buses using pink tickets. Starting August 16, the Pink Saheli Smart Card will become mandatory for free travel.
How Will Free Bus Travel Work From August 16?
Starting August 16, women commuters travelling on DTC buses will need to tap a Pink Saheli Smart Card upon boarding to receive their zero-fare ticket. These women will continue to enjoy free travel under the scheme.
According to senior officials, the decision has been taken to phase out paper-based pink tickets and transition to a smart card-based system for availing free bus travel.
No Smart Card Means No Free Travel
Starting August 16, women commuters travelling who do not have a Pink Saheli Smart card will not be issued free tickets and will be required to purchase normal tickets by paying the applicable fare for travelling in DTC and DoT (Cluster) buses.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the Delhi government has set up 50 authorised centres across the city where passengers can apply for and collect their smart cards.