In a major policy shift, the BJP government has announced a new smart card system for free bus travel for Delhi women, effectively replacing the Aam Aadmi Party’s long-standing Pink Ticket scheme. The new initiative aims to streamline the process, reduce misuse, and make daily travel more efficient for female commuters across Delhi.
Free Bus Travel for Delhi Women Now Requires Proof of Residency Under New Smart Card System
The announcement has sparked political debate, with supporters calling it a tech-forward solution and critics questioning the removal of AAP’s earlier model. Regardless, the free bus travel for Delhi women remains intact, though the process of availing it is set to change significantly.
The Delhi government intends to replace the current “pink ticket” system with a digital smart card, meaning women will soon have to provide proof of residency in order to receive free bus rides. Officials announced the shift Thursday, which is a departure from the previous model that provided free transportation for all female commuters, regardless of where they lived.
Eligible Delhi residents will receive the new smart card, which has a lifetime validity and may be used on public buses all around the city. It is anticipated that card registration will open in the upcoming weeks.
Concerns about possible abuse of the present pink ticket system prompted the modification. The new approach is intended to improve efficiency and transparency, according to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who took office following the BJP’s victory in the February 5 Assembly elections.
“We are dedicated to making sure that women continue to benefit from this while enhancing accountability. The process will be streamlined with the use of digital travel cards, Gupta stated.
Introduced in 2019 by the previous government, the Pink Ticket scheme for free bus travel for Delhi women provided paper-based tickets for individual rides. Under this model, private and public bus operators were reimbursed by the government based on the number of tickets issued.
Free Bus Travel for Delhi Women: BJP Launches Smart Card System to Replace Pink Tickets
Now, with the introduction of the BJP-led smart card system for free bus travel for Delhi women, the entire process is set to be digitized. The smart card will allow eligible women to access free bus services seamlessly at any time, reducing fraud, simplifying data tracking, and improving user convenience. This transition marks a significant upgrade in the delivery of free bus travel for Delhi women, aligning with broader goals of digital governance and public transport efficiency.
Gupta also outlined plans to update Delhi’s public transit system in order to meet international standards and increase accessibility. It is anticipated that the switch to a smart card system will be implemented in two to three weeks.
In support of the free bus travel for Delhi women initiative and broader transport infrastructure upgrades, the 2025–26 Delhi Budget has allocated ₹12,952 crore for public transport — a significant increase from ₹9,337 crore the previous year. This substantial budget hike highlights the government’s commitment to improving urban mobility, with a strong emphasis on making daily commutes safer, more accessible, and more convenient for women.
The increased funding is expected to support the rollout of the new smart card system for free bus travel for Delhi women, along with investments in cleaner buses, improved scheduling, and expanded route coverage.
The shift to a smart card system for free bus travel for Delhi women marks a major step toward digital convenience and targeted benefits. While the change introduces new eligibility checks, the core mission of empowering women through accessible public transport remains strong. With increased budget support and streamlined access, this upgraded initiative aims to offer safer, smarter, and more efficient daily travel for women across Delhi.
