The Government of Delhi has introduced the Saheli Pink Smart Card, an NCMC-enabled smart mobility card designed to provide free and seamless travel for women, girls, and transgender persons on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses.
Replacing the old single-use paper Pink Tickets, this secure digital smart card ensures a convenient “tap and travel” experience while functioning seamlessly across India’s National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) networks, including the Delhi Metro and RRTS.
Here is a complete guide to understanding the benefits, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process for the smart card.
DTC Saheli Pink Smart Card 2026 – Quick Overview
| Quick Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Name | DTC Saheli Pink NCMC Card |
| Purpose | Free travel on eligible DTC buses |
| Eligible Users | Women and transgender residents of Delhi |
| Age Eligibility | 5 years and above |
| Bus Travel | Free travel on eligible DTC buses |
| Metro / RRTS | Usable with wallet top-up; normal fare applies |
| First Card | Free |
| Replacement Fee | ₹59 including GST |
| Verification | Aadhaar-based verification + registered mobile number |
| Validity | 5 years from date of issuance |
| Application | Online self-onboarding or authorised DTC centres |
Key Benefits of the Saheli Pink Smart Card
The transition to a smart card system offers significant advantages for daily commuters:
- 100% Free Bus Travel: Enjoy unlimited free rides on all DTC and Cluster (Orange) buses operating within Delhi.
- Metro & RRTS Integration: The card acts as a standard NCMC. By topping up your wallet balance, you can use the same card to pay for Delhi Metro and Namo Bharat RRTS journeys.
- Convenience: Eliminates the daily hassle of requesting paper tickets from conductors—simply tap the card on the Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM).
- High Security: Features a personalized QR code and the beneficiary’s photograph to prevent misuse and ensure instant identity verification.
- Long-Term Validity: The card is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. The first card is issued absolutely free of cost.
Eligibility Criteria
To successfully apply for the card, applicants must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- Residency: Must be a bona fide, permanent resident of Delhi.
- Category: Open exclusively to women, girls, and transgender individuals.
- Age Limit: The applicant must be 12 years of age or older (minors can apply with guardian assistance).
- Documentation Requirement: Must possess a valid Aadhaar Card or Voter ID that clearly displays a Delhi residential address.
- Income Limit: There is no income limit to apply for this welfare scheme.
Note: Residents of NCR areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, or Gurugram who commute to Delhi are not eligible.
Documents Required for Registration
Keep the following documents ready before initiating your application, whether online or offline:
- Original Aadhaar Card: (Must reflect a Delhi address).
- Linked Mobile Number: The mobile number linked to the Aadhaar card is required to receive OTPs during the e-KYC authentication process.
- Passport-Size Photograph: A recent color photo (digital format for online applications; physical copy for offline).
How to Apply for the Saheli Pink Smart Card
The Delhi Government provides two straightforward ways to obtain the smart card: a self-onboarding online method and a direct offline method at distribution centers.
Method 1: Online Pre-Registration
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official Mufin Pay Pink Saheli registration portal.
- Mobile Verification: Enter your full name and mobile number, then click Send OTP. Enter the OTP to verify your contact details.
- Aadhaar Authentication: Enter your Aadhaar Card number, accept the consent terms, and verify your identity using the Aadhaar-linked OTP.
- Generate QR Code: Upon successful verification, the portal will generate an acknowledgment receipt with a unique QR Code.
- Collect Your Card: Download or take a screenshot of the QR code. Visit any authorized DTC distribution center within 48 hours, show the QR code to the staff, and collect your physical smart card instantly.
Method 2: Offline Application
- Visit a Distribution Center: Go to your nearest authorized NCMC Distribution Center (such as DM/SDM offices, DTC Bus Depots, or CSC centers). Operating hours are generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To manage high applicant volume, the government has recently added 8 new distribution centers to the existing network.
- Provide Details: Submit your Aadhaar card and provide your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to the counter executive.
- On-the-Spot Verification: The staff will complete the OTP-based Aadhaar authentication process on your behalf.
- Instant Issuance: Once verified, your personalized card will be generated and handed over the counter.
Important Links
| Important Link | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Saheli Pink Smart Card – Apply Online | Online registration & card information | Apply Online ↗ |
| Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) | Official DTC website | Visit DTC ↗ |
| Pink Card Distribution Centres | Check authorised card distribution centres | View Centres ↗ |
| DTC Circulars & Updates | Official notifications and latest updates | Check Updates ↗ |
Old Pink Ticket vs. Pink Smart Card
| Feature | Old Pink Ticket | Saheli Pink Smart Card |
| Format | Single-use Paper Ticket | Durable Digital NCMC Card |
| Interoperability | Valid only on Buses | Valid on Buses, Metro, and RRTS |
| Verification | Manual visual check | Secure QR Code & Photo-based |
| Cost | Free per journey | First card free (Replacement ₹59) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Delhi Saheli Pink Smart Card?
Women, girls, and transgender persons aged 12 years or above who are permanent residents of Delhi and hold an Aadhaar card with a Delhi address are eligible.
Can I use the Saheli Pink Smart Card in the Delhi Metro?
Yes, as an NCMC-enabled smart card, it can be used on the Delhi Metro and RRTS networks. However, the free travel benefit only applies to DTC and Cluster buses; standard fares apply for metro journeys.
Is the Pink Saheli Smart Card free?
Yes, the first issuance of the Saheli Pink Smart Card is completely free of cost. If the card is lost or damaged, a replacement can be obtained for a fee of ₹59.
Is Aadhaar verification mandatory?
Yes, Aadhaar authentication along with access to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number (for OTP) is mandatory to verify your identity and Delhi residency.
