By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: The Delhi Government has extended the deadline for women commuters to use paper-based Pink Tickets for free travel on DTC and DoT (Cluster) buses till August 31, 2026, providing relief during the festive season and Rakshabandhan.
Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said the Pink Saheli Smart Card (NCMC) will become mandatory for availing the free travel facility from September 1, 2026.
“Keeping the festive season and Rakshabandhan in mind, the Delhi Government has extended the existing arrangement so that our mothers, sisters and daughters do not face any inconvenience while travelling by DTC bus,” Dr. Singh said.
Under the revised arrangement, eligible women can continue to obtain paper-based Pink Tickets and travel free on DTC and Cluster buses until August 31. From September 1, free bus travel will be available only through a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card.
The Transport Minister said 18,13,866 Pink Saheli Smart Cards have already been issued. The Transport Department has directed depot managers, regional managers, conductors and enforcement staff to publicise the revised deadline and encourage eligible women to obtain their cards before August 31.
Awareness campaigns will be conducted through depot and in-bus announcements, social media, print media and other communication channels.
Dr. Singh appealed to eligible women commuters to obtain their smart cards before the revised deadline, saying the Delhi Government remains committed to making public transport accessible, convenient and technology-driven under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The extension is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to the smart-card system while preventing inconvenience to women commuters during the festive travel period.
