Latest news with #SaheliSmartCard
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Delhi women to get free bus travel via smart cards soon: CM Rekha Gupta
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced that her government would soon provide free bus travel cards to all women of the city with an aim to empower them with mobility. Saheli Smart Card, a personalised travel pass carrying the holder's name and photo, will facilitate free rides to women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 12 and above on all DTC and Cluster buses. Laying the foundation stone for a fully automated vehicle testing station (ATS) at the DTC's Nand Nagri Depot, the chief minister said, "This is a symbol of a safer, more transparent, and women-friendly Delhi." "Along with technological upgrades like the ATS, we are also focused on empowering women with mobility. Soon, every woman in Delhi will have access to free bus travel through smart travel cards," she said. The new testing facility, to be developed at a cost of Rs 10 crore, is aimed at enhancing road safety, transparency, and pollution control. Once commissioned, it is expected to digitally test 72,000 vehicles annually with no human intervention. Delhi has only one operational ATS in Jhuljhuli with a limited capacity. The new facility will increase testing capacity significantly, especially benefiting commercial vehicle owners. CM Gupta also announced the construction of another fully automated ATS at the DTC Tehkhand Depot in South-East Delhi. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said the initiative marks a major leap in Delhi's transport infrastructure and will help reduce long travel for vehicle owners seeking fitness certification. "We are combining technological advancement with accessibility and affordability. These centres will not only make Delhi roads safer but also generate Rs 3 crore annually for DTC," he said. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP-led Delhi government of dismantling key welfare schemes under the pretext of fighting corruption. The AAP's Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the BJP government was systematically shutting down pro-people initiatives like the Mohalla Clinics and the Pink Ticket scheme as part of its "anti-poor agenda".
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Business Standard
09-07-2025
- Business Standard
Delhi women to get 'Saheli Smart Cards' for free bus travel; know more
According to officials on Tuesday, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) plans to replace the current "pink ticket" system with the "Saheli Smart Card," which will provide free bus travel for women and transgender people in the Capital. However, the card will only be accessible to Delhi residents, which represents a significant change in the scheme's eligibility requirements. Women and transgender citizens of Delhi who are 12 years of age or older can travel for free on all DTC and Cluster buses using the Saheli Smart Card, a personalised transit card that includes the holder's name and photo. According to an official, the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework would be used to issue the Saheli Smart Card. Who can apply for 'Saheli Smart Cards'? The official said that, unlike the current paper-based pink ticket system, this personalised smart card, featuring the user's name and photo, will allow free travel only on DTC and Cluster buses. Additionally, it will support recharge and top-up features, enabling use on other modes of public transport as well. The official stated, "To obtain the digital card, applicants must be bona fide residents of Delhi, aged 12 years or above, and have valid proof of address. They must register online through the DTC portal, select a participating bank, and complete full KYC verification at the chosen bank branch". The bank will send the card to the applicant's registered address after the KYC procedure is finished. • Aadhaar card • Proof of residence in Delhi • Passport-size photograph • PAN card • Any other documents required under bank-specific KYC norms. 'Saheli Smart Cards': Insights In a communication to banks and other financial organisations, the Delhi government expressed interest in issuing these cards. According to the report, these cards will mark the beginning of a new era of accessible, safe, and paperless public transportation for transgender and female city dwellers. The source went on to explain that although the government will not impose travel fees on commuters, issuing banks may, by their regulations, charge a small cost for card issuance or maintenance. What will happen if you lose your card? Users must notify the issuing bank of any lost cards, and they may be eligible for a replacement based on the terms of the card. Prior to usage, the card must be activated using DTC's Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS). The free travel benefit is limited to DTC and Cluster buses under this arrangement, although the card can be used on other transport systems after topping up. "No card will be issued directly by DTC. Registration is completely online through the DTC portal, and cards are issued only after full KYC verification by the selected bank," the official added. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has an operational fleet of 3,266 buses, including 1,950 electric and 1,694 CNG buses, and runs 44 depots in Delhi and one in Noida. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta denounced the pink paper ticketing system used by the previous administration as a major source of corruption during her March Budget Day speech. She declared that paper tickets will be replaced by a new digital system called the 'Saheli Smart Card', which would allow women to travel conveniently and safely with customised digital cards.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
Smart Travel, Zero Fare: Delhi to unveil Saheli Card for women & transgender commuters - all you need to know
The Delhi government is preparing to roll out the Saheli Smart Card , a new travel pass featuring the holder's name and photograph, offering free rides for women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 12 and above on DTC and cluster buses , reported TOI. This initiative aims to digitise and streamline the popular free travel scheme first launched in 2019. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has issued an expression of interest to implement the project. A senior official explained that the Saheli Smart Card will be issued under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) platform. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist Reveals: The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Accoding to the repot, it will not replace the existing pink ticket system but serve as an additional facility to provide commuters with a modern, digital option. How to apply for Saheli Smart Card Live Events To get the card, applicants will need to: Provide valid proof of Delhi residence Register on the official DTC portal Select a participating bank to issue the card Complete full KYC verification at the selected bank branch by submitting documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport photos, and address proof After successful verification, the bank will send the smart card directly to the applicant's home address. Once activated, it will enable unlimited free bus travel on DTC and cluster buses. Though the card can be topped up for use on other transport like the Delhi Metro, free travel benefits will only apply to bus services under this scheme. TOI reported that while commuters won't be charged for their rides, banks may collect a nominal fee for issuing or maintaining the card. Lost cards must be reported to the issuing bank for replacement as per their policies. Future plans & digital integration Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently criticised the older paper ticket system as a source of corruption and announced that the new facility will be reserved exclusively for women residing in Delhi. Officials also told the news outlet that integrating buses and the Metro through NCMC will lay the foundation for eventually including more transport options such as autorickshaws and taxis. Over time, the government plans to introduce mobile app features to buy online tickets and discounted daily or monthly passes. According to officials, shifting to a comprehensive digital system will help prevent misuse and improve transparency. Growing use of Free Travel Scheme Since its launch on October 29, 2019, the free bus travel scheme for women has seen consistent growth. In 2020–21, pink tickets made up 25% of all tickets sold. That figure rose to 28% in 2021–22 and to 33% in 2022–23. By 2023–24, pink tickets accounted for a substantial 46% of total ticket sales. During 2023–24, DTC recorded an average daily ridership of nearly 26 lakh passengers, while cluster buses carried about 16.4 lakh passengers each day. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh has said the Saheli Smart Card will help ensure that benefits reach only Delhi residents, aligning with the government's future plans to localise the scheme. For now, the pink ticket system will continue alongside the new card until further notice.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
From pink to plastic: Delhi's buses get Saheli smart card
Delhi government will soon introduce the Saheli Smart Card , a travel pass featuring the holder's name and photo, to provide free rides for women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 12 and above on Delhi Transport Department (DTC) and cluster buses. DTC has issued an expression of interest to roll out the project. A senior official said the card will be issued under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system and allow eligible users to avail free travel benefits digitally. The card will not replace the pink ticket system; instead, it will be introduced as an additional facility. The card will also have recharge and top-up functionality for use on other transit modes, like Delhi Metro. To acquire the digital card, applicants must provide valid proof of residence and complete registration through the official DTC portal. They must select a participating bank for card issuance and complete full KYC verification at their selected bank branch by submitting documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport-sized photographs, and proof of Delhi residence. After successful verification, the issuing bank will dispatch the smart card directly to the applicant's registered residential address. Once activated via DTC's automatic fare collection system, the card would allow unlimited free travel on all DTC and cluster buses. While the card can be topped up for use on other transit systems like the Metro, the free travel benefit is restricted solely to bus services under this scheme. The official said while government will not charge commuters for travel, issuing banks may levy a nominal card issuance or maintenance fee according to their policies. Lost cards must be reported to the issuing bank for replacement as per the bank's terms. Chief minister Rekha Gupta, in her recent Budget Day address, had criticised the previous administration's paper ticket system, calling it a major source of corruption. She had also said that the facility would now be for Delhi women only. Another official stated that the integration of buses and Metro through NCMC as primary transit modes will pave the way for incorporating additional transport options, such as autorickshaws and taxis, in the future and significantly enhance commuter convenience. According to officials, implementing a comprehensive digital solution will eliminate possibilities of theft and pilferage. Sources in government said the card would help government in its future plan to ensure the free bus ride scheme for women, launched during AAP's tenure, is available to women residing in Delhi only. Transport minister Pankaj Singh had said earlier that government was planning to include this rider soon. However, as of now, the pink ticket system will continue. Officials said at a later stage, government will also use the mobile app feature to buy online tickets and concessional daily or monthly passes. Pink passes, issued to women passengers for free travel on DTC and cluster bus service in the city, have shown steady and consistent growth, shows data. In 2020-21, pink tickets accounted for 25 per cent of total sales. The figure rose to 28 per cent in 2021-22 and 33 per cent in 2022-23. The year 2023-24 saw a significant uptick, with pink tickets comprising 46 per cent of tickets sold. In 2023-24, DTC recorded a daily average passenger ridership of nearly 26 lakh while the figure for cluster buses stood at 16.4 lakh, according to the data. The free bus travel scheme for women, launched by Delhi government on Oct 29, 2019, is applicable on DTC and cluster buses operated by Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Limited.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
DTC's ‘Saheli Cards' will limit free bus travel to Delhi residents
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is set to roll out the 'Saheli Smart Card' to enable free bus travel for women and transgender persons in the Capital, replacing the existing 'pink ticket' system, officials said on Tuesday. The card, however, will only be available to Delhi residents, marking a major shift in eligibility criteria for the scheme. 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) Officials said the new regulation aims to ensure accountability in the system and plug revenue leakages. Unlike the previous system, launched by the erstwhile Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government, where all women—regardless of address—were handed pink tickets by conductors, Saheli Cards will only be issued upon submission of Delhi-based address proof and Aadhaar details. The cards, bearing the beneficiary's name and photo, must be applied for online via the DTC website and will be delivered by post. 'This is a digital reform with a targeted subsidy,' said a senior DTC official. 'Only verified Delhi residents will get Saheli Cards. The goal is to plug leakages and ensure the benefit reaches the intended recipients.' Delhi transport minister Pankaj Singh echoed the sentiment: 'After we operationalised DEVI buses, we realised that it was generating good revenue, despite free rides for women. Of the 4.8 million-odd daily commuters of DTC, just about 20% are women and making their travel free does not impact revenue much. The smart cards have been kept for residents only to streamline the registration process and make it accountable. It is a Delhi service, for the people of Delhi.' Under the previous scheme, pink tickets were issued for free in lieu of tickets when women boarded Delhi buses. Bus operators were later compensated by the government based on the number of pink tickets issued. Singh said this made the system prone to abuse. 'We conducted raids after our government came to power and found that several fake pink tickets were generated while these women did not even travel on DTC buses, just so that the government exchequer could be depleted. We want to remove this unaccountability and bring in a proper system,' he said. 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. The system will also integrate with apps developed in collaboration with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), allowing users to generate QR-code tickets, recharge their cards, and plan multimodal journeys across Delhi. HT first reported on April 4 that new smart cards will replace pink tickets for free bus rides, and that they will restrict the scheme to women who are residents of the Capital, as address proof could be required during registration. According to a tender floated by DTC, rollout is a part of a broader project to modernise fare collection through an Automated Fare Collection (AFC) system. The Saheli Card will be National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-compliant and function on an open-loop platform, enabling usage across Delhi Metro, feeder buses, parking facilities, and even for small retail transactions. NCMC system is already in use by the Delhi Metro, Noida Metro among other transit systems. The wider rollout will be powered by over 12,000 onboard validators, QR-based ticketing, vending machines, and a clearinghouse to track transactions in real time. Cards will operate on a tap-in-tap-out model, removing the need for cash or manual ticketing, according to the tender document, which HT has accessed. Importantly, the card will be Aadhaar-seeded and linked to Delhi's residential database, meaning women and transgender persons residing in neighbouring NCR cities such as Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad will no longer be eligible for free rides, although they can purchase the card as regular NCMC users. In addition to the Saheli Card, DTC will introduce two other NCMC-enabled cards: The first will be the 'Zero KYC Card', which will be usable across transit networks, this card will not require any identity verification, allowing fast and easy issuance. The second will be the 'Full KYC Card', which will be issued by banks after complete KYC as per RBI and UIDAI norms, this card offers the same features but with added regulatory compliance. 'These additional cards are meant to enhance public access to seamless, cashless travel, while the Saheli Card will specifically serve the state's welfare scheme,' an official said. 'Besides the card-based system, the AFC setup will also support QR code-based ticketing via mobile apps. These apps, developed in coordination with DMRC, will allow users to generate journey-specific QR codes, check their Saheli or NCMC card balance, recharge the card, and even plan multimodal routes across Delhi,' the official added. The policy shift comes amid a broader push to improve financial discipline and eliminate fraud in the scheme. In 2020-21, about 177 million pink tickets were issued. That number surged to 400 million in 2022-23. Former finance minister Atishi said in her budget speech last year that nearly 1.1 million women availed of free bus rides each day. Over five years, from 2019 to 2024, the AAP government facilitated 1.53 billion free rides for women. Despite the impressive scale, officials say the old system lacked transparency. 'The Saheli Card ensures that free rides are logged, traceable, and tied to verified users,' a transport official said. DTC currently operates 44 depots and maintains an active fleet of 3,266 buses—1,950 electric and 1,694 CNG.
