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2mo ago

Delhi to Deploy Aadhaar-Linked Saheli Smart Cards for Women’s Free Bus Rides

Strict Aadhaar-based verification will curb subsidy misuse ahead of the system’s full launch before Independence Day.

The scheme was started by the previous AAP government and has been continued by the BJP government which came to power in February 2025. (HT Archive)
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Overview

  • Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed on July 17 that pink tickets will be replaced by two variants of the Aadhaar-seeded Saheli Smart Card under the NCMC standard.
  • The new cards will be available only to Delhi-resident women and transgender individuals following mandatory Aadhaar-based KYC and residency proof.
  • Citywide installation of automated fare collection validators and QR-ticketing modules is underway with officials targeting an August 15 operational date.
  • The overhaul aims to eliminate misuse of the subsidy and help rescue the Delhi Transport Corporation from losses of about ₹65,000 crore.
  • Gupta also inaugurated a ₹10 crore automated vehicle testing station at Nand Nagri Depot capable of digitally testing 72,000 vehicles annually without human intervention.