Delhi Sets a New Standard for Inclusivity with Saheli Smart Card, Providing Free Bus Rides to Women and Transgender Individuals

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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July 8, 2025 11:54 GMT+5:30

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Delhi has set a pioneering example of inclusiveness by launching the Saheli Smart Card, a free bus pass for women and transgenders. This pioneering initiative aims to reduce trouble among these sections in traveling on public transport while making a safer and more inclusive environment. By offering this travel pass, Delhi takes a significant step toward enhancing mobility, ensuring equal access to all its citizens, and modernizing its public transport infrastructure.

Saheli Smart Card: Empowering Women and Transgender Individuals in Delhi’s Public Transport System

In a significant step towards modernizing Delhi’s public transportation system, the Delhi government has launched the Saheli Smart Card. This innovative travel pass is specifically designed to offer free travel on all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses for women and transgender individuals aged 12 and above. The introduction of this card marks a major milestone in making public transport more accessible, inclusive, and efficient for these groups within the city.

What is the Saheli Smart Card?

The Saheli Smart Card is a state-of-the-art travel pass that replaces the outdated paper-based ticketing system previously used in Delhi’s public transportation network. The card is aimed at providing hassle-free and secure travel for women and transgender passengers across the city. Under this initiative, the Delhi government intends to ease the daily commute for these individuals while ensuring their safety and convenience on public transport.

Unlike traditional travel tickets, the Saheli Smart Card is personalized with the cardholder’s name and photograph, allowing for easy identification and preventing misuse. It operates under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework, which is designed to streamline and modernize fare collection systems across public transportation in India.

Key Features of the Saheli Smart Card

One of the primary advantages of the Saheli Smart Card is that it offers free travel on all DTC and Cluster buses in Delhi. This initiative is part of the Delhi government’s broader goal to make public transportation more accessible and safer for women and transgender individuals. The card is integrated with recharge and top-up functionality, allowing users to maintain and reload their balance easily, making it versatile for different modes of transportation.

Although the travel on DTC and Cluster buses is free, the bank issuing the card may impose a nominal fee for the card issuance and maintenance. The charges, if any, will depend on the specific terms and conditions set by the financial institutions involved.

How to Apply for the Saheli Smart Card

Eligibility for the Saheli Smart Card is straightforward but requires certain documentation for verification. The card is available to women and transgender individuals who are 12 years of age or older and residents of Delhi. Applicants must present the following documents during the application process:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Proof of Delhi Residency
• A passport-size photograph
• Any additional documents required by the bank’s KYC guidelines

Once the Know Your Customer (KYC) process is completed, the Saheli Smart Card will be sent to the applicant’s registered address by the issuing bank. It will then be activated using the DTC’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) before it can be used for travel.

The Role of Banks in Issuing the Card

The Delhi government has invited banks and financial institutions to submit expressions of interest to handle the distribution of the Saheli Smart Card. These banks will be responsible for issuing the cards and ensuring that they function smoothly within the city’s extensive transport network.

This partnership with financial institutions also introduces a modernized infrastructure for fare collection, paving the way for a more integrated and secure public transportation experience for all residents.

What Happens if You Lose the Saheli Smart Card?

Like any other important card, losing the Saheli Smart Card can be a concern for users. In the event of a lost card, it is essential to report the incident to the issuing bank immediately. Banks will typically have a process in place for card replacement, and it will be issued according to their specific policies. To ensure safety, it is recommended that users take necessary precautions and report any lost cards at the earliest opportunity.

Saheli Smart Card’s Impact on Delhi’s Transport System

The introduction of the Saheli Smart Card is a direct response to the need for a safer and more accessible public transportation system in Delhi. As of now, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates a fleet of 3,266 buses, including electric and CNG-powered buses, across 44 depots in Delhi and one in Noida. The city’s bus fleet is a significant part of the daily commute for millions of residents, and with the launch of the Saheli Smart Card, the transport system is poised for a more inclusive and modern future.

Delhi is setting a new standard for inclusivity with the introduction of the Saheli Smart Card, offering free bus rides to women and transgender individuals. This initiative aims to make public transportation more accessible and safer for these communities, marking a significant step towards equality and modernizing the city’s transport system.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Gender-Inclusive Transport

By introducing the Saheli Smart Card, the Delhi government is taking an important step towards making public transportation more inclusive for women and transgender individuals. The move not only ensures safer travel but also empowers these groups with the ability to travel freely within the city, without the financial burden of transport costs.

As Delhi’s transport infrastructure continues to evolve, the Saheli Smart Card is an exemplary model of how technology can be harnessed to create a more equal and inclusive society. This initiative highlights the city’s commitment to modernizing its public transport network while ensuring it meets the needs of its diverse population.