New Delhi, 16 August (H.S.): The Delhi government has extended the existing paper-based Pink Ticket facility for women travelling free on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses until August 31, providing relief to passengers who have not yet obtained the Pink Saheli Smart Card.

From September 1, 2026, eligible women will be required to use a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card, based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system, to avail themselves of free bus travel. The earlier deadline for the paper-based Pink Ticket system was August 15.

The Delhi government said the decision to extend the deadline was taken keeping the festive season, particularly Raksha Bandhan, in mind. The extension is intended to ensure that women can continue travelling on buses without inconvenience during the period of increased passenger movement while also giving eligible passengers additional time to obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Cards.

Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said in a statement issued on Sunday that the festive season, especially Raksha Bandhan, is a time when mothers, sisters and daughters travel to meet their families. Keeping their convenience in mind, the government decided to extend the existing arrangement until August 31, he said.

Under the revised arrangement, eligible women can continue to travel free on DTC buses using paper-based Pink Tickets until August 31. From September 1, the free travel facility will be available only through a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card.

According to the Delhi government, 18,13,866 Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been issued across the capital so far.

The Transport Department has instructed depot managers, regional managers, conductors and enforcement personnel to ensure that passengers are widely informed about the revised deadline and encouraged to obtain their smart cards before August 31.

Awareness campaigns will be conducted through announcements at depots and inside DTC buses, as well as through social media, print media and other communication channels.

The Transport Minister has appealed to all eligible women passengers to obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Cards before the August 31 deadline so that they can continue to avail themselves of free bus travel without interruption from September 1.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar