New Delhi, Aug 16 (IANS) In a major relief to women commuters, the Delhi government has extended the existing arrangement for paper-based pink tickets for availing free bus travel in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Department of Transport (Cluster) buses till August 31, Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said on Sunday.
The Pink Saheli Smart Card (National Common Mobility Card) will now become mandatory for availing the free travel facility from September 1, the Minister added.
The decision has been taken keeping in view the festive season and Raksha Bandhan, ensuring that women commuters can travel without inconvenience during the period of increased festive travel, he said.
The extension will also provide eligible women additional time to obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Cards, he added.
Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, “The festive season, especially Raksha Bandhan, are occasions when our mothers, sisters and daughters travel to meet their families. Keeping their convenience in mind, the Delhi government has decided to extend the existing arrangement till August 31.”
“Our priority is to ensure that no eligible woman commuter faces any inconvenience during this transition,” the Minister added.
“As per the revised arrangement, eligible women passengers can continue to receive paper-based pink tickets and avail free travel in DTC buses up to August 31. From September 1, free travel will be available only through a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card,” he said.
Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh told that as of now, 18,13,866 Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been issued.
The Transport Department has directed Depot Managers, Regional Managers, conductors and enforcement staff to widely publicise the revised deadline and encourage women commuters to obtain their cards before August 31, he said.
Awareness campaigns will be undertaken through depot and in-bus announcements, social media, print media and other channels, he added.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government remains committed to making public transport accessible, convenient and technology-driven. We appeal to all eligible women commuters to obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Cards before August 31 and continue to avail the free travel facility seamlessly from September 1, 2026,” Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said.
–IANS
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