New Delhi, July 10 -- The Delhi government on Friday announced that women commuters will be able to use the existing paper-based Pink Tickets for free travel in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses only till July 31, after which the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-based Pink Saheli Smart Card will become the sole mode for availing the benefit from August 1.
The government said the transition is aimed at making the scheme more transparent, efficient and technology-driven while ensuring that women continue to receive free travel without any disruption.
Delhi Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh urged eligible women who have not yet obtained the smart card to complete the registration process at the earliest. According to the government, around 15 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards have already been issued, and a majority of women commuters are using them regularly.
Assuring commuters that the free travel scheme will continue uninterrupted, Singh said, "The free bus travel facility for Delhi's women will continue uninterrupted. We appeal to all eligible women to obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Card and avail its benefits with ease and convenience."
He added, "There is absolutely no reason for anyone to panic. Pink Tickets will remain valid till July 31, and from August 1, women
possessing the Pink Saheli Smart Card will continue to travel free of cost."
Highlighting the benefits of the new system, the minister said the card would help bring "greater transparency, efficiency and accountability" while improving
beneficiary management and streamlining implementation of the scheme.
The Transport Minister also clarified that July 31 is not the last date to apply for the Pink Saheli Smart Card.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.