India, July 11 -- New Delhi

Women passengers seeking to avail of free travel on Delhi buses will have to use the Saheli Smart Cards from August 1, the Delhi government announced on Friday. Delhi transport minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh on Friday said the validity of the paper-based pink tickets will end on July 31, as part of a planned phase-out, for travel in cluster buses and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) ones.

Around 1.5 million Saheli Smart Cards have been issued so far, the minister said, urging eligible persons to register for the same at the earliest.

"The free bus travel facility for Delhi's women will continue uninterrupted. There is no reason for anyone to panic. Pink tickets will remain valid until July 31, and from Augu...