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Delhi Prepares to Replace Pink Tickets with Saheli Smart Cards

DTC has established an online portal; enlisted banks for KYC verification; installed automated fare collection systems ahead of the scheduled August launch.

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According to a tender floated by DTC, the new AFC infrastructure is part of Delhi’s long-term vision to modernise and unify public transit access. (FILE)

Overview

  • The Saheli Smart Card will be an Aadhaar-seeded, NCMC-compliant transit pass offering free travel on all DTC and cluster buses for verified Delhi women and transgender residents.
  • Applicants aged 12 and above must submit Delhi address proof online via the DTC portal or at participating banks to complete Aadhaar-based KYC before receiving their personalized cards.
  • DTC has floated tenders and deployed over 12,000 onboard validators, QR-ticketing modules and a central clearinghouse as part of its Automated Fare Collection infrastructure upgrade.
  • In addition to the Saheli Card, two open-loop NCMC variants—a zero-KYC card for quick issuance and a full-KYC bank-issued card—will enable seamless multi-modal travel and small retail payments.
  • The BJP-led government announced the scheme in March, issued tenders in April and July, and is targeting an official Saheli Card rollout on August 15, 2025.