New Delhi, August 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi government has extended the use of paper-based pink tickets for women availing free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Transport Department (Cluster) buses till August 31, Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh announced on Sunday.
Under the revised arrangement, eligible women commuters can continue to obtain paper-based pink tickets and travel free of cost on DTC and Cluster buses through August 31. From September 1, the Pink Saheli Smart Card, based on the National Common Mobility Card, will become mandatory to avail the free travel facility.
The extension has been announced in view of the festive season, particularly Raksha Bandhan, when women are expected to undertake increased travel to meet their families. The government said the move would ensure that commuters do not face inconvenience during the transition and would give eligible women additional time to obtain their smart cards.
“The festive season, especially Raksha Bandhan, are occasions when our mothers, sisters and daughters travel to meet their families. Keeping their convenience in mind, the Delhi government has decided to extend the existing arrangement till August 31,” Singh said.
He added that the priority was to ensure that no eligible woman commuter faced difficulty during the transition.
According to the Minister, 18,13,866 Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been issued so far. The Transport Department has directed depot managers, regional managers, conductors and enforcement personnel to publicise the revised deadline and encourage eligible women to obtain their cards before August 31.
Awareness campaigns will also be conducted through depot and in-bus announcements, social media, print media and other communication channels.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government remains committed to making public transport accessible, convenient and technology-driven,” Singh said, urging eligible women commuters to obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Cards before August 31 to continue using the free travel facility from September 1.
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