Delhi Smart Card for Women DTC Buses Replaces Pink Tickets in 2025 Budget
In a landmark move announced during the Delhi Budget 2025-26, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta introduced the Delhi Smart Card for women DTC buses to replace the current pink ticket system. The new initiative aims to simplify and digitize free travel for women on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, making commuting more efficient and transparent.
Budget Highlights: Smart Cards for Women and Transport Reforms
CM Rekha Gupta, during her maiden Budget speech on Tuesday, emphasized a strong push towards transport reform, starting with the introduction of the Delhi Smart Card for women DTC buses. This will eliminate the existing pink ticket mechanism that has been in place to allow women free rides on public buses.
“We are introducing smart cards for women commuters in Delhi to travel freely in DTC buses,” said the Chief Minister in the Assembly.
The card will streamline the system, reduce fraud, and ensure better tracking and transparency in subsidies offered to women passengers.
Rs 12,952 Crore Allocation to Boost Bus Transport
To support the transformation, the Delhi government allocated a massive Rs 12,952 crore specifically for improving bus transport services across the national capital. This includes plans to introduce 5,000 new electric buses by 2026, making Delhi’s public transport more eco-friendly and inclusive.
The Delhi Smart Card for women DTC buses are expected to be central to the government’s efforts to digitize and modernize the transit system.
Criticism of Pink Ticket Policy Under Previous Govt
Taking a sharp dig at the former Aam Aadmi Party-led government, CM Gupta alleged that the pink ticket system suffered from irregularities and lacked transparency. Referring to the Delhi Smart Card for women DTC buses as a corrective step, she remarked:
“There was a pink ticket scam under the previous administration in the name of offering free travel to women. With smart cards, we will ensure accountability and efficiency.”
CAG Report Highlights DTC Financial Losses
The Delhi CM also tabled the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report on DTC operations in the Assembly, revealing alarming financial mismanagement. As per the report, DTC’s financial losses surged from Rs 25,300 crore in 2015-16 to a staggering Rs 60,750 crore in 2021-22—a rise of Rs 35,000 crore under the previous government.
The transition to the Delhi Smart Card for women DTC buses is positioned as a critical solution to curb these inefficiencies and improve transparency in operations.
Overaged Buses a Growing Concern
Another major concern raised in the CAG report was the increase in the number of overaged buses. While only 5 such buses existed in 2015-16, the number had soared to 1,770 by March 2023—representing nearly 45% of the DTC fleet.
CM Gupta acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and reiterated the importance of modernizing the transport system. The introduction of 5,000 electric buses and the Delhi Smart Card for women DTC buses is aimed at solving both infrastructure and accessibility challenges.
Delhi Metro Projects and Central Govt Dues
The Chief Minister also addressed the funding crunch faced by Delhi Metro projects. Rs 2,929 crore has been allocated to support ongoing developments. She accused the previous administration of neglect, noting that no funds were paid towards the central government’s Rs 6,000 crore demand for the Metro’s fourth phase.
A Step Towards a Transparent and Inclusive Delhi
With the rollout of the Delhi Smart Card for women DTC buses, the government intends to build a system that is transparent, tech-enabled, and free from past irregularities. This smart move is also expected to provide women commuters a more secure and hassle-free travel experience across the capital.
