Delhi government has introduced the Pink Saheli Smart Card, which is a new model of travel pass that offers free travel to women and transgender citizens of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses at the age of 12 years and above. Being an effort aimed at increasing safety, affordability, and accessibility in transportation, this initiative will substitute the old system of using paper with a personalised card with the name and photograph of the owner, and will allow the holder of the card to travel digitally, regardless of the location, throughout the NCMC system. This move by the city can be considered a major step towards making the city gender-inclusive, as well as modernising its transport system.
What Makes the Pink Saheli Card a Game-Changer?
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The Pink Saheli Smart Card provides women and transgender residents of Delhi of 12 and above the ability to ride buses freely, which encourages safer and more affordable transport.
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It does not make use of a paper-based system in the form of a pink ticket but uses a personalised smart card bearing the name and photo of the user because it is more transparent and accessible.
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It is developed in accordance with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework and allows digital transactions and integration of multiple transport modes in the future.
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The project encourages the inclusivity of gender mobility and gives women and transgender individuals more autonomy.
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The applicants may apply through the DTC portal by registering online, undergoing KYC verification, and getting the card sent by post on successful application.
Conclusion
The Pink Saheli Smart Card is a positive move towards sensible and convenient public transportation in Delhi. The initiative will empower people, improve their mobility, and strengthen respect for gender equality and social empowerment by the government through providing free and hassle-free travel to women and transgender commuters.
