Delhi Extends Transition Period for Mandatory Pink Saheli Smart Card Use

The Delhi administration announced a brief extension to the rollout schedule for the Pink Saheli Smart Card, officially known as the NCMC, which will soon be required for all free rides on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses and other state‑run transport services. While the original deadline slated the card’s compulsory use from August 16, officials said the extra time is intended to smooth the shift for commuters, especially women who rely on the scheme for cost‑free travel.

The Pink Saheli Card, introduced to promote gender‑friendly mobility, allows eligible passengers to board DTC buses without paying a fare. By making the card mandatory, the government hopes to streamline verification, reduce cash handling, and encourage more women to use public transport safely.

The extension gives commuters a few more weeks to obtain and activate their cards before the enforcement date. Transport authorities are also using the window to upgrade card‑reading equipment across the city’s bus fleet and to run public awareness campaigns.

For the South‑Asian diaspora, the move underscores Delhi’s ongoing efforts to improve urban mobility and gender equity, themes that resonate with many expatriate families keeping an eye on developments back home.