Saheli Smart Card Scheme:- There is great news for women and transgender people living in Delhi. Traveling in DTC and cluster buses has now become easier and smarter than ever. The Delhi Government has launched a new digital card called Saheli Smart Card, replacing the earlier “Pink Ticket” system. With the help of this card, eligible individuals can travel completely free in government buses of the capital.
What is the Saheli Smart Card Scheme?
The Saheli Smart Card is a digital bus pass scheme launched by the Delhi Government, which provides free travel facilities to women and transgender passengers in DTC and cluster buses. This card is designed according to the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), allowing its future use in other public transport services as well.
Earlier, a pink ticket was provided that allowed women to travel for free, but due to irregularities and misuse in the system, the government introduced the Saheli Card. This card will carry the cardholder’s name and photo, ensuring it cannot be used by someone else.
Objective of the Saheli Smart Card Scheme
The primary aim behind this scheme is to ensure that the benefit of free travel is available only to those who genuinely deserve it. That is, now only resident women and transgender individuals of Delhi will be able to avail this facility. This will help stop the misuse of the scheme and curb fraud.
Where will the Saheli Smart Card be used?
Saheli smart card can be used mainly in Delhi’s DTC and cluster buses, where passengers are given free travel facility. However, this card works as a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), so it can also be used in Metro, Roadways, Rapid Train or other government transport means, but you will have to pay fare to travel in those services.
That is, the facility of free travel is available only in Delhi’s government buses, in other services this card can be used as a payment option.
Eligibility for Saheli Smart Card?
Certain eligibility conditions have been set to get the Saheli Smart Card.
- The beneficiary must be a resident of Delhi.
- Only women and transgender persons aged 12 years or above are eligible.
- Residence proof in Delhi must be shown at the time of application.
Required Documents for Saheli Smart Card Scheme
The following documents are needed while applying for the card.
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of residence in Delhi (such as ration card, electricity bill, voter ID, etc.)
- One passport size photo
- PAN card (if available)
How to Apply for Saheli Smart Card Scheme 2025?
The application process for the Saheli Smart Card is very simple.
- First, visit the official website of DTC or the Delhi Government.
- Register for the Saheli Smart Card.
- Fill in the necessary details and upload documents.
- Choose your bank during application – since the card will be issued through the bank.
- Complete the KYC process by visiting the selected bank branch.
- After completion, the card will be delivered to your address.
- Once you receive the card, it will be activated in DTC’s system, and you can start using it.
What Facilities Will Be Available?
- Free travel in DTC and cluster buses
- Future use in other public transport systems like metro, auto, or taxi (chargeable)
- Recharge facility will be available on the card
Will I have to pay for Saheli Smart Card?
Under the Saheli Smart Card Scheme, the Delhi government does not charge any fee for issuing the card, that is, this card is being made free of cost at the government level. However, since this card is being issued through banks, a nominal maintenance charge may be taken by the bank.
Apart from this, if the card is sent by post to the home, then in that case the delivery charge may be charged from the beneficiary. That is, getting the card made is free, but you may have to pay some service charge or postal expenses from your side.
What to do if you lose your Saheli Smart Card?
If your Saheli smart card is lost, you will have to go to the same bank from where you got the card made. There you will have to give a written complaint so that the previous card can be immediately inactivated so that no one else can misuse it. After this, a new card will be issued to you by the bank.
Keep in mind, the bank can charge you a nominal fee for getting a new card made. So in case of losing the card, contact the bank immediately and complete the process so that you can avail the benefits of the scheme again.
Will there be a mobile app for Saheli Smart Card?
Yes, there are plans to bring a mobile app for Saheli Smart Card in the future. Under this, beneficiaries will be able to buy tickets online through the app.
- Will be able to buy tickets online, such as QR-bar code or e-ticket
- Will be able to buy daily or monthly concessional passes
- Card balance, recharge and multi-mode travel planning will also be available on the app
Currently these features are under development, but this digital facility will be launched soon in partnership with the Delhi Government and DTC-DMRC.
Conclusion
The Saheli Smart Card Scheme is a great initiative by the Delhi Government that provides women and the transgender community with the opportunity to travel with safety, convenience, and dignity in public transport. This card will not only benefit passengers but also bring transparency to the system. If you are also a resident woman of Delhi and travel in public buses, then apply for the Saheli Smart Card soon and take advantage of this facility.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible to get the Saheli Smart Card?
Answer: The Saheli Smart Card is issued to women and transgender individuals residing in Delhi who are 12 years of age or older. Valid proof of residence in Delhi and other documents are required to apply.
Q2: How can one apply for the Saheli Smart Card?
Answer: To apply, first visit the official website of DTC or the Delhi Government and complete the registration process. Upload the necessary documents, choose a bank, and complete the KYC process at the selected bank. Once verified, the card will be delivered to your registered address.
Q3: Is the Saheli Smart Card valid only for bus travel?
Answer: Yes, currently the Saheli Smart Card provides free travel in DTC and cluster buses. In the future, the card may be extended for use in the metro, auto, or other transport services, but those may involve charges.
