By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi has achieved a significant milestone in its push for safer and smarter public transport, with over five lakh women adopting the government’s flagship ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’. According to official figures, 5.3 lakh women are currently using the card, marking widespread acceptance of the initiative aimed at enhancing mobility for women in the capital.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the scheme as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment and digital inclusion. She said the initiative not only ensures free and seamless travel but also provides women with a secure digital identity. “When public transport becomes safe and accessible, it opens doors to education, employment and broader opportunities,” she noted.
The ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ operates on a tap-and-go system based on the National Common Mobility Card framework, replacing traditional paper tickets. Users can tap the card on electronic ticketing machines for hassle-free boarding on buses. While the scheme enables free travel for women and transgender persons on buses, it also allows paid usage across Metro services and other transport modes, making it an integrated mobility solution.
Available to all women and transgender residents of Delhi aged five years and above, the card can be recharged online, with users able to track their travel history digitally. Authorities say the system has improved data management and service delivery, while also enhancing transparency.
Beyond convenience, the scheme is easing financial pressures on households. Experts estimate that beneficiaries save between ₹1,200 and ₹2,400 per month. Increased participation of women in public transport is also contributing to a safer commuting environment across the city.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the scheme will continue to expand, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a women-friendly, world-class transport system.
