Delhi Government Launches 'Pink Saheli Smart Card' for Free Bus Travel for Women and Transgender Individuals
The Delhi government has introduced the 'Pink Saheli Smart Card', enabling women and transgender individuals above the age of 12 to travel free of cost on all DTC and cluster buses in the city. Announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the initiative aims to promote women's mobility, safety, and public transport use. In a related move, the government also began granting recognition to long-unrecognized private schools in non-conforming areas, expanding educational access for thousands of children.
On Sunday, the Delhi government launched the 'Pink Saheli Smart Card', a new scheme allowing women and transgender individuals above 12 years of age—specifically daughters, sisters, and mothers—to travel for free on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses across the capital. The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta via social media, is designed to make public transport more accessible, convenient, and safe for women, while also encouraging greater use of buses and recognizing women's empowerment as a policy priority. Alongside this, the Delhi government also addressed a long-standing educational reform by granting recognition to private unaided schools operating in non-conforming areas of the city, a move Education Minister Ashish Sood described as ending a decade of selective discrimination. Schools can now apply for recognition through the Directorate of Education's online portal until November 30, 2025, with eligible institutions to be listed after scrutiny. This dual focus on transport and education reflects the government’s broader commitment to social equity and inclusive development in Delhi, ensuring both mobility and educational opportunities are expanded for marginalized groups.
