Pink Saheli Card: Apply, Benefits & Usage

The Pink Saheli Card is a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) launched by the Delhi government, aimed at making free bus travel for eligible women residents of Delhi more secure, transparent, and digital. It replaces the previous paper-based pink tickets and allows passengers to tap the card on an electronic ticketing machine (ETM) when boarding DTC and cluster buses. In addition to free bus travel, the same card can also be used for paid travel on the Delhi Metro and RRTS, provided money is added to its wallet.

What is the Pink Saheli Card?

The Pink Saheli Card is a smart card designed specifically for women passengers in Delhi, operated by the NCMC. Instead of purchasing a paper ticket for every trip, passengers can tap the card on the E-ticketing machine installed on DTC and cluster buses. This speeds up bus boarding, reduces paper usage, and helps digitize the free travel scheme.

What Is the Purpose of the Pink Saheli Card?

Previously, women traveling free on DTC buses had to obtain a pink paper ticket from the conductor for each trip. This process often caused delays and wasted a significant amount of paper.

The Pink Saheli Card was introduced for:

• Replace paper-based pink tickets.
• Make free travel digitally verifiable.
• Minimize abuse of the free travel scheme.
• Speed ​​up boarding with tap-and-go technology.
• Provide a smart card that can be recharged and used on the Metro and RRTS.

Key Features of the Pink Saheli Card

• National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) technology
• Free travel on DTC and cluster buses
• Contactless tap-and-travel system
• Digital travel record
• Rechargeable wallet for Delhi Metro and RRTS
• Valid for five years from the date of issue
• The first card is issued free of charge to eligible applicants

Who can apply?

• The beneficiary must be a woman or an eligible transgender person
• The applicant must be a resident of Delhi
• Being at least 5 years old is mandatory
• Aadhaar card is mandatory
• Aadhaar must be linked to an active mobile number for OTP verification

Required Documents

• Original Aadhaar Card
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
• Basic personal details for verification

How to Apply for a Pink Saheli Card

There are two common methods to obtain the card

Offline Application

Visit an authorized DTC Pink Card Center with your Aadhaar card. After OTP verification, eligible applicants will receive the card through the authorized issuer process.

Self-Onboarding

Applicants can complete self-registration online by entering their Aadhaar number and registered mobile number, verifying the OTP, and downloading a QR receipt. This receipt can be presented at an authorized DTC Center to receive the physical card.

Where can you use the Pink Saheli card?

DTC and Cluster Buses

Eligible women can travel for free by tapping the card on the EVM machine installed inside the buses.

Delhi Metro

The same card also works on the Delhi Metro, but metro travel is not free. Users must recharge their NCMC wallet before using it at Metro AFC gates.

Delhi-Meerut Rail Transport Service (RTRTS)

This card is also compatible with the RRTS after adding sufficient balance to the wallet.

How to recharge your card for Metro travel

• Scan the QR code printed on the back of the card using any UPI app
• Add money to the NCMC wallet
• Complete the top-up at a Delhi Metro Add Value Machine (AVM) or Customer Service Center
• The remaining amount can be used for Metro or RRTS travel

Card Fees

• First Pink Saheli Card: Free for eligible applicants
• Replacement card if original card is lost or damaged: ₹59 (including GST)

Card Validity

The Pink Saheli card is valid for five years from the date of issue. After the expiry date, users must follow the prescribed renewal or replacement procedures as announced by the authorities.

Benefits of the Pink Saheli Card

• Faster boarding without carrying a paper ticket
• Cashless and contactless travel
• Reduced paper wastage
• Digital verification of complimentary rides
• Single card for bus, metro, and RRTS
• Easily recharge your wallet via UPI
• Aadhaar-based secure identification

Tips for using the Pink Saheli Card

• Always carry the original card with you when traveling
• Keep the card in a safe holder
• Recharge your wallet before using the Delhi Metro
• Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number active for future verification purposes
• Follow official DTC announcements for policy updates
• Never share your card with another person, as it is issued only to the eligible cardholder