New Delhi, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi government has extended the facility allowing women to travel free in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses using pink tickets until August 15, giving commuters additional time to obtain the mandatory Pink Saheli Smart Card (NCMC).
Announcing the decision on Friday, Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the mandatory use of the Pink Saheli Smart Card for availing the free travel scheme will now come into effect from August 16 instead of August 1.
Under the revised arrangement, bus conductors will continue issuing pink tickets to eligible women passengers until midnight on August 15.
The minister said the extension has been granted to ensure a smooth transition to the smart card-based system and to prevent inconvenience to women commuters during the changeover.
According to the government, 17.04 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards had been issued as of July 31, indicating a strong response to the initiative.
Pankaj Kumar Singh urged all eligible women to obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Cards before the revised deadline so they can continue availing the free travel facility without interruption from August 16 onwards.
He said officials have been instructed to intensify awareness campaigns and provide all necessary assistance to help commuters complete the transition smoothly.
The move revises an earlier notification issued on July 10, under which only women carrying a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card were to be eligible for free travel in DTC buses from August 1. The government said the extension was aimed at ensuring sufficient time for all eligible beneficiaries to obtain the card.
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