New Delhi, Sept. 21 -- Delhi's Saheli Pink Smart Card will become mandatory for women passengers seeking free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses from 1 October 2026.

The DTC has extended the existing paper-based pink ticket arrangement until 30 September 2026, giving women passengers more time to obtain the smart card, according to the circular dated 16 September.

The circular states that from 1 October, free travel will be allowed only after passengers tap a Pink Saheli Smart Card on the electronic ticketing machine. Those without the card will have to purchase a regular ticket and pay the applicable fare.

The Saheli Pink Smart Card was launched on 2 March 2026. The Delhi government has said that more than 1...