Women in Delhi will now need a Pink Saheli smart card to travel free on city buses. The Delhi government has notified the rule under new transport regulations.

Free travel on DTC and cluster buses, both AC and non-AC, is now available only through the NCMC-based Pink Saheli card. Women without the card must buy a ticket at the regular fare.

The rule also covers transgender persons who are residents of Delhi. The card is issued free to eligible women living in the capital.

The change replaces the paper-based pink ticket system, which was extended until September 30. According to the transport department, around 19 lakh women have already received the smart card.

Officials said the digital system will replace paper records with server-logged journeys. The government plans awareness drives through depot announcements, in-bus messages and social media.

The department has set up camps at bus depots to issue the card on the spot. Women need a Delhi address proof and a photograph for the card, which uses the National Common Mobility Card standard accepted across metros.