Pink Saheli Card
The Pink Saheli Card is a smart travel card introduced by the Delhi Government to provide free bus travel for eligible women and transgender residents of Delhi on DTC and Cluster buses. The card aims to make public transport more accessible, convenient, and affordable. Eligible residents can apply for the Pink Saheli Card by completing the registration process and submitting the required documents. Once issued, the card can be used for free travel on eligible buses across Delhi.
The paper pink ticket era is over
The paper pink ticket era is over. Here is the timeline in short:
- 2 March 2026: The Delhi Government launched the Pink Saheli Smart Card, an NCMC-based card, to replace the paper pink ticket.
- August to September 2026: The deadline to switch was extended more than once, and women kept using paper tickets in the meantime.
- 3 October 2026: The transport department notified that free travel on DTC and Cluster buses (AC and non-AC) is available only with the Pink Saheli Smart Card.
- First week of October: The transport minister said over 35 lakh women travelled on DTC buses in the first six days of October using the card, and that card-making is continuing across Delhi, so there is no need to panic.
What this means for you: if you do not have the card, you can still ride a DTC bus, but you must buy a regular ticket. So if you have not done your pink card apply yet, do it now.
What is the DTC pink card?
The DTC pink card is a smart card that replaces the old paper pink ticket. Earlier, a conductor handed out a paper ticket for each free journey. Now you tap your card on the conductor’s electronic ticketing machine (ETM), and the trip is recorded digitally.
The card carries your details and works on the NCMC system, the same national standard that lets one card be used on different transport services. This is why people also search for “pink metro card” or “metro pink card”. We explain that below.
The government says the card makes free travel more secure and transparent, because each card is verified through Aadhaar and linked to one person.
Pink Saheli Card apply online
Yes, you can start your pink card apply online. Reports from October 2026 describe two routes.
This is the “semi-online” method for pink saheli card apply online:
- Search for the Pink Saheli Smart Card on the official MufinPay portal linked from DTC information.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
- Verify with the OTP you receive.
- Download the QR acknowledgement (also called QR token).
- Visit an authorised DTC distribution centre with your original Aadhaar.
- Show the QR code and collect your physical card.
So the dtc pink card apply online step saves you time at the counter, but you still collect the physical card in person.
Apply at an authorised centre
Go to a DTC centre, DM office or SDM office. Staff will take your name, mobile number and Aadhaar details, then complete OTP verification. As per reports, the card is issued the same day once verification is done.
If the centre near you is busy, online pre-registration can shorten your visit. If you prefer to finish everything in one trip, apply at the centre directly.
Safety warning: Use only the portal linked from official DTC sources. Fake websites and agents may ask for money or OTPs. The first card is free. Never share your OTP with anyone who is not authorised staff at an official counter.
Before online registration
Before you start your pink saheli card registration online, keep these ready:
- Your Aadhaar number
- Your Aadhaar-linked mobile phone, charged and with network
- A stable internet connection
- A way to save or screenshot the QR acknowledgement
After you register, keep the QR code safe. You will need it at the centre.
Eligibility and documents
Based on recent reports, you can apply if you are:
- A woman resident of Delhi, or
- A transgender resident of Delhi, and
- You hold an Aadhaar card with a Delhi address.
About age: News reports differ on the minimum age. Some say above five years, while another report mentions above twelve. Since this can change, check the current age rule on the official DTC notice before you take a child to a centre.
Only one card is issued per person after Aadhaar verification, so duplicates are not given.
Documents
The main requirement is simple:
You do not need to carry piles of papers. Do not give your documents to anyone outside the official centre.
Find a Pink Saheli Card centre
You can collect or apply at:
- DTC pass sections and depots
- DM (District Magistrate) offices
- SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) offices
- Special camps held during the rollout
The transport minister said on 7 October 2026 that 38 DTC Pink Pass Distribution Centres were set up across South, North, East and West Delhi, with special camps added. Other reports mention a larger number of centres, so the exact count may vary. Always check the official counter list for the one nearest to you.
DC offices
Deputy Commissioner Office Central District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office East District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office New Delhi District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office North East District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office North West District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office South District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office South West District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office West District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office South East District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office Old Delhi District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office Central North District
Get directions ↗Deputy Commissioner Office Outer North District
Get directions ↗SDM offices
Office of the SDM Delhi Cantt
Get directions ↗Office of the SDM Adarsh Nagar
Get directions ↗Office of the SDM Yamuna Vihar
Get directions ↗Office of the SDM Kirari/Nangloi Jat
Get directions ↗Office of the SDM Mehrauli
Get directions ↗Office of the SDM Dwarka
Get directions ↗Office of the SDM Badarpur
Get directions ↗Office of the SDM Bawana
Get directions ↗DTC depots
Banda Bahadur Marg (BBM) Depot
Get directions ↗DTC Burari Depot
Get directions ↗DTC Uttam Nagar Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Nehru Place Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Shadipur Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Scindia House Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Kashmiri Gate Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Dichonkalan Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Nand Nagri Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Wazirpur Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Peera Garhi Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Dwarka Sec-2 Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Sarojini Nagar Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Hari Nagar-1 Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Mangol Puri Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Punjabi Bagh Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Lajpat Nagar Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Azadpur Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Sultanpuri Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Delhi Gate Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Rohini Sec-22 Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Karawal Nagar Terminal
Get directions ↗DTC Hauz Khas Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Shahadra Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Kanjhawala Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC South Campus Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Jamia Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC Seemapuri Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC North Campus (DU) Pass Section
Get directions ↗DTC JNU Pass Section
Get directions ↗How to use your card
- Board a DTC or Cluster bus (AC or non-AC).
- Keep your card ready in your hand.
- Tap it on the conductor’s ETM when asked.
- The machine records your free trip.
Without the card, you can still travel by buying a ticket at the normal fare.
Pink metro card and Metro use
Many people search for “pink metro card” and “metro pink card”, so here is a clear answer.
The Pink Saheli Card is a free bus card first. Travel is free only on DTC and Cluster buses. The card runs on NCMC technology, and reports say you can also use it on the Delhi Metro and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail by adding money. That means Metro and rail rides are paid, not free.
How the balance works, as per reports:
- You can top up by scanning the QR code on the back of the card using a UPI app.
- To use balance on the Delhi Metro, you may need to top up at an Add Value Machine (AVM) at a Metro station.
Since transport rules can change, check the Metro operator’s information before you rely on the card there.
DTC bus pass and Pink Saheli Card
People often confuse a “dtc bus pass” with the pink card. They are different.
DTC bus pass: A paid pass bought by commuters for regular travel on DTC buses. There are different pass types.
Pink Saheli Card: A free-travel smart card for eligible women and transgender residents, valid on DTC and Cluster buses.
If you qualify for the pink card, you do not need to pay for a bus pass for DTC and Cluster bus travel. If you do not qualify, a regular DTC bus pass can still save money on frequent trips. Check the DTC pass portal for current options.
Visit DTC pass portalPink Saheli Card benefits
Free bus travel: On DTC and Cluster buses, AC and non-AC.
No paper tickets: Tap and go replaces the old pink ticket.
One card per person: Aadhaar verification reduces misuse.
First card free: No fee for your first card.
Top-up option: Add money for use on other transport where supported.
Long validity: Reported as five years from issue.
Inclusive: Covers women and transgender residents of Delhi.
Common problems and help
- OTP not coming: Check that your mobile number is the one linked to your Aadhaar. Wait a few minutes and try again.
- Aadhaar address not in Delhi: Eligibility is based on Delhi residence shown through Aadhaar. Contact DTC for guidance if your address is different.
- Centre is crowded: Try an early visit, or register online first and carry your QR code.
- Lost the QR code: Log in again on the same portal if possible, or ask staff at the centre.
- Card is not tapping: Ask the conductor to retry, then contact DTC if it keeps failing.
- Lost your card: Contact DTC through its helpline or website and follow the replacement steps.
DTC contact information
For card or bus pass questions, use DTC’s official channels. Contact details published for the scheme include:
- DTC Central Complaint Cell: 1800 118 181
- DTC Bus Pass Helpline: 08744073213
- DTC Bus Pass Support: 011-23752769
- Email: bus-pass@dtc.nic.in
Numbers can change, so confirm them on the DTC website.
Frequently asked questions
How do I do a pink card apply in Delhi?
Register online on the official portal and collect your card at a DTC centre, or go to a DTC centre, DM office or SDM office with your original Aadhaar and complete verification there.
Can I do pink card apply online?
Yes, online pre-registration is available. You enter your Aadhaar and linked mobile number, verify the OTP, download the QR acknowledgement, then collect the physical card from a centre.
Is dtc pink card apply online fully online?
Not fully. You register online, but you collect the physical card at an authorised centre.
How does pink saheli card registration online work?
Enter your Aadhaar and mobile details, verify by OTP, download the QR code and show it at the centre.
Is the pink saheli card apply online process free?
The first card is reported to be issued free. Do not pay anyone who offers to apply for you.
Is the Pink Saheli Card mandatory?
Yes. From the 3 October 2026 notification, free travel on DTC and Cluster buses requires the card. Without it, you must buy a ticket.
What is the DTC pink card?
It is a smart card that replaces the old paper pink ticket for free bus travel.
What documents do I need?
Your original Aadhaar card with a Delhi address and your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
What is the difference between a DTC bus pass and the pink card?
A DTC bus pass is a paid pass. The pink card gives free travel on buses to eligible women and transgender residents.
Is the pink metro card free on the Metro?
No. Metro and Namo Bharat use needs balance on the card. Free travel is for DTC and Cluster buses.
Is the metro pink card the same as the Pink Saheli Card?
Yes, people use that name when searching, but the card is mainly for free bus travel.
How long is the card valid?
Reports say five years from the date of issue.
Is this website run by DTC?
No. This is an independent information website.
Pink card apply online
Free bus travel now needs the card. Register online, keep your Aadhaar ready, and collect your card at a centre near you.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, operated by or officially connected with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), the Government of NCT of Delhi or any government authority. Information, requirements, locations and schedules may change. For applications, current eligibility and official updates, use the relevant official government source.