The update on the free bus service scheme for women by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) in Delhi. An official update has been released.An update has been released regarding the process of making the smart card, including how it will be made, where it will be made, and what kind it will be.
I’m going to explain all these things to you. So, stay tuned until the end of the video because there could be a lot of issues, as this card might cause several difficulties during the application process. I’ll also explain the conditions, charges, and everything else in this aricle. So, don’t skip the video, stay until the end, okay? Let’s get started quickly.
Top MP Government All Schemes for MP Board Students | Full Details 2025-26
Features of the Saheli Smart Card
The smart card will include your name and photo. An official stated that the smart card will be a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). You might have seen NCMC cards being provided at Delhi Metro stations, with advertisements from Airtel, Paytm, and others. The NCMC card is also issued by banks.
The Saheli Smart Card will be issued under the NCMC framework, allowing free travel in DTC and cluster buses. For other modes of transport, you’ll need to recharge or top up the card. This means you can travel for free on buses with this card, which will have your name and photo, but you can also use it for metro travel by recharging or topping it up. It’s like an all rounder, all in one smart card for enjoying various travel facilities.
Saheli Smart Card Scheme Delhi – Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Saheli Smart Card Scheme |
| Launch Date | Expected by August 15, 2025 (Independence Day) |
| Objective | Provide free bus travel for women and transgender |
| Eligibility | Women and transgender individuals aged 12 and above |
| Applicable Services | Free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster bus |
| Card Type | National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) with cardholder’s name and photo |
| Required Documents | Aadhaar card, PAN card, proof of Delhi residence (e.g., voter card, ration card), passport-sized photo, and bank-specific KYC documents |
| Cost | Free travel on DTC and cluster buses |
| Card Issuance | Issued by banks, not directly by DTC; requires KYC verification |
| Card Loss Procedure | Report loss to the issuing bank a replacement card may be issued with a nominal fee as per bank policies |
| Additional Features | Rechargeable for use in other transit modes (e.g., Metro) |
| Key Changes from Pink Ticket | Restricts free travel to Delhi residents only |
| Implementation Status | DTC has issued an expression of interest for bank empanelment |
| Pink Ticket System | Will continue alongside the Saheli Smart Card |
Eligibility for Saheli Smart Card
- In Delhi women and transgender individuals aged 12 years and above will be given the Saheli Smart Card for free travel in all DTC and cluster buses.
- The free bus travel facility for women in Delhi will continue, but the method is completely changing.
- The Rekha Gupta government under the Aam Aadmi Party is discontinuing the pink ticket system and introducing the Saheli Smart Card scheme.
- All girls, women, and transgender individuals meaning those who are neither male nor female—aged 12 and above will benefit from free bus travel.
Conditions for Obtaining the Saheli Smart Card
Now let’s talk about who will get the Saheli Smart Card and the conditions.
- An official stated that to obtain the Saheli Smart Card the applicant (woman or transgender individual) must be a resident of Delhi meaning they must have proof of a Delhi address.
- That’s the first condition. The second condition is age: the applicant must be 12 years or older. Smart cards won’t be issued for children below 12 years.
- They might continue with pink tickets, or their travel might be free; we’ll know once further updates are released.
Required Documents and Registration Process
- The third condition is that you must have valid proof of address in Delhi such as an Aadhaar card, voter card, ration card, or any other valid document.
- The fourth condition is that you need to register online through the DTC portal.
- Now it might also be integrated into apps like Charter One Delhi or Mock App or you’ll need to register on DTC’s official website by filling out an application form.
KYC and Bank Involvement
- The fifth condition is that you’ll need to select a bank and complete KYC verification at the chosen bank branch.
- You’ll need to complete KYC at the branch you select. Whether an account is required or not will be clarified in future updates and I’ll let you know.
- The bank will issue the smart card. After completing KYC, the bank will send the smart card to the applicant’s registered address via courier.
Documents Needed for the Smart Card
The official further explained that to obtain the Saheli Smart Card, you’ll need an Aadhaar card, PAN card, proof of residence in Delhi, a passport-sized photo, and other documents as per the bank’s specific KYC norms. KYC typically includes one ID proof, one address proof, and a photo. The bank will clarify whether an account is required. Banks may charge a nominal fee for issuing or maintaining the card.
Charges and Maintenance
The official added that the government will not charge passengers for travel it will be free for life. However, the bank issuing the card may impose a nominal charge for issuance or maintenance based on their policies and rules. If the card is lost, the user must inform the issuing bank, which will issue a new card based on its terms similar to how a lost ATM card is replaced after applying for a new one.
Activation and Usage
Before using the card it must be activated through DTC’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS). This means the card needs to be activated via a machine, possibly with the conductor on the bus. After topping up, the card can be used for other transport services, but the free travel benefit under this scheme is limited to DTC and cluster buses. For metro or other services, you’ll need to recharge it.
Role of Banks and DTC
The official clarified that DTC will not directly issue any cards the cards will be issued by banks. How the government handles the internal process or accounting is not your concern. You just need to register on the DTC online portal, get the receipt, and take it to the bank for KYC and to apply for the NCMC card. I’ll share the proper process as further updates come.
Online Registration and Bank Selection
Registration will be completely online through the DTC portal, and the card will be issued by selected banks only after full KYC verification. Not every bank where you have an account may be available, so there might be some challenges, which I’ll update you on as more information comes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Saheli Smart Card, an NCMC card, is coming. It will work for all travel but will provide free travel only on DTC and cluster buses. For metro travel, you willl need to recharge or top up. The process starts with registration on the DTC website, followed by issuance by the bank. I hope you’ve understood the complete information.
