Saheli Smart Card Yojana 2026: Apply Online, Status Check, Eligibility Benefits
Saheli Smart Card Yojana 2026: Complete Guide to DTC Free Bus Travel for Women in Delhi (Apply Online, Status Check, Eligibility & Benefits) - Delhi Government’s ambitious Saheli Smart Card Yojana is a major step toward women empowerment and digital public transport reform. Under this scheme, women and transgender persons (aged 12 years and above) can travel free of cost in buses operated by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses in Delhi.
If you are a resident of Delhi and want to apply for the Saheli Smart Card, this detailed guide covers everything — online application process, eligibility, price, required documents, app details, status check, and latest 2026 updates.
What is Saheli Smart Card Yojana? (Overview)
The Saheli Smart Card is a personalized, photo-based smart mobility card introduced by the Government of Delhi to replace the old pink paper ticket system. This card:
- Is issued in the name of the beneficiary.
- Includes photograph and personal details.
- Works under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework.
- Allows free travel only in DTC and Cluster buses.
Important: Free travel is valid only for DTC and Cluster buses. If you recharge the card with balance, you may use it for other transport services like metro (paid travel), but metro travel is NOT free.
The scheme was originally launched on 3 October 2019, and from 2026 onwards, the government plans to fully implement a smart card-based digital system, phasing out pink paper tickets.
Saheli Smart Card to be Implemented Fully from 2026
The Delhi government aims to implement a completely digital free bus travel system in 2026. Once fully launched:
Pink paper tickets will be discontinued.
Smart card tapping system will be mandatory.
Women without the smart card may not be eligible for free travel.
Card must be tapped on Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETM) inside buses.
The expected rollout may begin around mid-January 2026, depending on final preparations.
Saheli Smart Card to be Implemented Fully from 2026
The Delhi government aims to implement a completely digital free bus travel system in 2026. Once fully launched:
Pink paper tickets will be discontinued.
Smart card tapping system will be mandatory.
Women without the smart card may not be eligible for free travel.
Card must be tapped on Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETM) inside buses.
The expected rollout may begin around mid-January 2026, depending on final preparations.
Benefits of Saheli Smart Card (Benefits of Saheli Smart Card Yojana)
- Free Bus Travel - Women and transgender persons can travel completely free in DTC and Cluster buses.
- Women Empowerment - Improves mobility and independence of women across Delhi.
- Financial Savings - Daily commuting cost savings can be used for family needs.
- Digital & Transparent System - Replaces paper tickets with a secure, digital, identity-based system.
- Environmental Benefits - Encourages public transport usage and reduces pollution.
- Safe & Convenient - No need to carry cash; just tap the card and travel.
Saheli Smart Card Price and Validity
Here is an important clarification:
The Saheli Smart Card is issued FREE of cost.
A refundable security deposit of ₹50 must be paid.
If you surrender the card, ₹50 will be refunded.
Card validity: 1 year
Renewal required after one year.
Eligibility Criteria for Saheli Smart Card
To apply, you must meet the following conditions:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female or Transgender |
| Age | 12 years or above |
| Residency | Must be a permanent resident of Delhi |
| Documents | Valid Delhi address proof required |
Required Documents for Saheli Smart Card Registration
Below are the essential documents:
Aadhaar Card (with Delhi address)
Passport Size Photograph
Registered Mobile Number
Address Proof (Voter ID / Ration Card etc.)
PAN Card (if required for KYC)
Bank KYC documents (if applicable)
How to Apply Online for Saheli Smart Card? (Saheli Smart Card Delhi Apply Online)
You can apply online through the official DTC portal.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
- Go to the official website of Delhi Transport Corporation:https://dtc.delhi.gov.in/
- You may be redirected to the DIMTS portal.
Step 2: Click on Saheli Smart Card Section
- Find “Online Services” or “Saheli Smart Card” option.
Step 3: New Registration
- Click on “New Registration” or “Apply for New Saheli Smart Card”.
Step 4: Fill Application Form
You need to fill:
Aadhaar Number (Verify Aadhaar)
Personal Details (auto-filled after verification)
Address Details
Upload Passport Photo
Step 5: Self Declaration
- Confirm that all details are correct and you are a Delhi resident.
Step 6: Submit and Payment
Pay ₹50 refundable security deposit via:
Net Banking
Debit Card
Credit Card
UPI
Step 7: Application Confirmation
After successful payment:
You will receive an Acknowledgement Number.
Save it carefully.
It will be required for status tracking.
Application Process Summary (Table Format)
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Online Registration | Register through DTC portal |
| Bank Selection & KYC | Select partner bank & complete KYC |
| Document Submission | Submit Aadhaar, PAN, photo etc. |
| Card Dispatch | Card sent to registered address |
| Card Activation | Activate under Automatic Fare Collection System |
How to Check Saheli Smart Card Application Status?
To track status:
Visit official tracking portal.
Click “Track Application Status”.
Enter Application Number or Aadhaar Number.
Click Submit.
Status may show:
Under Process
Printed
Dispatched
Delivered
Saheli Smart Card App (DTC Bus Pass App)
Delhi Government has launched an official mobile application called, DTC Bus Pass - Through this app you can:
Apply online
Track status
Download digital pass
View card details
How to Download the App:
Open Google Play Store
Search “DTC Bus Pass”
Download official app
Login using Aadhaar details
DTC Student Bus Pass vs Saheli Smart Card
Many people confuse these two schemes. Here is the comparison:
| Feature | Saheli Smart Card | DTC Student Bus Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiary | All Delhi Women & Transgender | School/College Students |
| Fare | Completely Free | Concessional (Discounted) |
| Eligibility | Delhi Residency | Student ID + Residency |
| Application Mode | Online Portal / App | Through Institution / Online |
How Will Pink Saheli Smart Card Work in Buses?
After receiving the card:
Board the DTC bus.
Tap the card on ETM machine with conductor.
Travel will be recorded digitally.
No need for pink paper ticket.
Without the card, free travel facility may not be allowed once fully implemented.
Card Issuance Centers and Booths
Special booths will be set up at:
Major Bus Depots
Pass Centers
Authorized Banks
After launch, a complete list of centers will be released by the government.
Political Controversy Around the Scheme
There have been allegations by opposition leaders that the new digital system may create difficulty for women in slum areas or rural Delhi due to online registration and KYC requirements.
Concerns were also raised about:
Insufficient number of buses
Need for more electric buses
Digital access barriers
However, the government maintains that the smart card system will improve transparency and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Saheli Smart Card valid in Metro?
No. Free travel is only valid in DTC and Cluster buses. Metro travel is paid.
2. What if the card is lost?
You must contact DTC helpline or visit nearest depot. A duplicate card can be issued (usually ₹50 charge).
3. How to renew the card?
After one year, renewal can be done online through the DTC portal or app.
4. Will the card be delivered at home?
Yes. After verification and approval, the card is dispatched to your registered address.
5. Can I travel without physical card?
Yes. If digital pass is available in the DTC Bus Pass app, you may show QR code to conductor.
Conclusion
The Saheli Smart Card Yojana 2026 is a revolutionary move toward digital and inclusive public transport in Delhi. It strengthens women empowerment, promotes safe mobility, and ensures financial relief through free bus travel. If you are eligible, apply online today through the official portal of Delhi Transport Corporation and take advantage of this powerful government initiative
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