The Delhi government has distributed more than 10 lakh Pink Saheli National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) to women commuters within three months of the scheme’s launch, giving a major push to digital and integrated public transport in the capital.
The Pink Saheli Card was launched on 2nd March to provide women with a simple and paperless way to avail free travel in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses. Officials said the response has been encouraging, with nearly 11,000 cards being issued every day through 73 distribution centres operating across the city.
Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the achievement reflects the government’s effort to make public transport more accessible and commuter-friendly. He noted that the card has become an important tool for women travellers, helping them access transport services more conveniently.
The minister said the government is ready to expand the programme further if the number of applicants increases. According to him, DTC has sufficient manpower, systems and operational capacity to handle higher demand and ensure that every eligible woman can obtain the card.
Card can be used beyond DTC buses
The Pink Saheli Card is built on the National Common Mobility Card framework, allowing users to access multiple transport services through a single card. Besides free travel in DTC buses, the card can also be recharged and used on Delhi Metro, RRTS and other NCMC-enabled transport networks.
Officials believe the initiative will help create a seamless travel experience and strengthen the city’s integrated transport system.
Partnership with IIT Kanpur for smart mobility
Alongside the milestone, DTC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airawat Research Foundation (ARF), IIT Kanpur, to manage and improve the Delhi Transport Stack and the One Delhi App.
Under the partnership, IIT Kanpur’s technology experts will support the transport department in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital platform development. The collaboration will also help improve services including the One Delhi App and ONDC-based bus ticketing.
Focus on smarter transport planning
The Delhi government said the digital systems being developed through this initiative will help improve bus deployment, route planning, last-mile connectivity and overall transport management. Officials expect the use of technology and data to support better decision-making and make public transport services more efficient.
Calling the partnership a step towards a smarter transport ecosystem, Singh said the government aims to make Delhi’s public transport network more reliable, technology-driven and future-ready while improving the daily travel experience of commuters.
