The Pink Saheli Cards:
Reports indicate that many transgender persons in Delhi are facing difficulties in obtaining ‘Pink Saheli’ smart cards, despite being officially included as beneficiaries under the free bus travel scheme.
- The Pink Saheli Cards is a smart-card-based free bus travel scheme launched by the Delhi Government in March 2025 for women and transgender persons travelling on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses.
- Aim is To ensure affordable and accessible public transport for women and transgender persons, enhancing their mobility and participation in economic and social activities.
- To provide a transparent, digital, and beneficiary-linked system for delivering transport subsidies while promoting gender inclusivity.
- Key Features:
- Free Bus Travel Benefit: Eligible women and transgender persons can travel free of cost on Delhi government-operated buses using the smart card.
- Smart Card-Based Digital System: The scheme replaces paper-based pink tickets with a reusable digital card linked to passenger identity records.
- Inclusive Eligibility Framework: Official guidelines recognize both women and transgender persons as beneficiaries under the scheme.
- Aadhaar-Based Verification: Card issuance and validation are linked to identity verification, enabling streamlined beneficiary management and monitoring.
