Due to the low uptake of the Pink Saheli card among women commuters, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has initiated a special campaign on its buses to encourage women to obtain the cards, as stated in an official announcement.
“Beginning August 1, pink tickets will only be provided to female passengers who possess a valid Pink Saheli smart card, which must be tapped upon boarding. These passengers will continue to enjoy the free bus service in accordance with the scheme’s guidelines,” the DTC mentioned in its order. Officials indicated that the existing paper-based pink ticket will be phased out in favor of a smart card system for accessing the benefit of free bus travel.
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“From August 1, women passengers without a Pink Saheli card will not be issued pink tickets and will need to buy standard tickets at the applicable fare for riding in DTC and DoT (Cluster) buses,” the order clarified.
The Delhi government has established 50 authorized centers throughout the city to assist in the distribution of Pink Saheli smart cards, as per the order.
“All eligible women under the scheme are encouraged to obtain the Pink Saheli smart card from the designated centers and counters in line with the guidelines provided by the transport department and DTC,” it added. To date, approximately 11 lakh cards have been distributed citywide, with plans to raise that number to 13 lakh by the end of July, after which the card will become a requirement.
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