Empowering Women Through Mobility and Safety in Public Transport
Why in the News?
- The Delhi Government has launched a new initiative called the ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’. It aimed at providing free bus travel for women and transgender individuals across the national capital.
- Now, daughters, sisters, and mothers above 12 years of age will be able to travel free and conveniently on Delhi Transport Corporation and Cluster buses.
- The scheme is part of Delhi’s continuous efforts to promote women empowerment, safe public transport, and inclusive mobility.
- Delhi’s ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ will simplify access to free travel benefits and ensure cashless, seamless, and secure transportation for women passengers.
What is the Pink Saheli Smart Card?
- The ‘Pink Saheli Smart Card’ is a digital travel pass introduced by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
- It allows women residents and transgender individuals of Delhi to travel free of cost on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses operated by the government.
- Key Features:
- Free travel for women and transgender passengers on DTC and cluster buses.
- Smart card-based digital ticketing system for convenience.
- Linked with Delhi Transport App for easy recharge and tracking.
- Pink colour symbolizing women’s safety and empowerment.
- Aim: Promote public transport usage and reduce private vehicle dependence.
Objectives of the Pink Saheli Smart Card Scheme:
- Empowering Women: Ensures equal access to public transport and job opportunities.
- Safety and Dignity: Encourages women to travel confidently across Delhi.
- Digital Governance: Promotes cashless, paperless ticketing for transparency.
- Environmental Sustainability: Reduces carbon footprint by increasing use of public transport.
- Social Inclusion: Supports women from economically weaker sections.
Significance of the Scheme:
- Gender Equality in Mobility: Removes financial barriers that restrict women’s access to education, work, and healthcare.
- Public Safety Measure: Enhances the presence of women in public spaces, improving safety perception.
- Economic Empowerment: Eases the cost burden for working women and students.
- Smart City Initiative: Integrates with Delhi’s broader plan for intelligent transport systems and digital inclusion.
Conclusion:
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is more than a travel pass. It is a step toward mobility, dignity, and opportunity for women in Delhi. By merging social welfare with technology, the government seeks to create a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable urban environment.
Women’s welfare programs across India focus on promoting equality and empowerment through social and financial support. To explore similar initiatives, check out Assam government schemes for women offering benefits for education, livelihood, and safety.
Sources:
- https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/delhi-govt-launches-pink-saheli-smart-card-who-can-avail-and-how-to-register-2812540-2025-11-03
- https://www.livemint.com/news/india/delhi-govt-launches-pink-saheli-smart-card-who-can-avail-how-to-register-and-all-you-need-to-know-11762086883938.html
FAQs:
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a digital travel pass launched by the Delhi Government that allows women and transgender individuals to travel free of cost on DTC and cluster buses across the city.
All women, daughters, sisters, and mothers above 12 years of age, along with transgender individuals residing in Delhi, are eligible for free bus travel under this scheme.
It offers cashless and paperless digital ticketing, free travel, smart card integration with the Delhi Transport App, and a pink design symbolizing women’s safety and empowerment.
The scheme aims to empower women through mobility, ensure safe and dignified travel, promote digital governance, and encourage sustainable public transport usage.
It promotes gender equality in public transport, supports economic empowerment of women, enhances public safety, and aligns with Delhi’s Smart City and environmental sustainability goals.
