Delhi Government Establishes 50 Centers for Pink Saheli Card Distribution
The Delhi government has taken a significant step towards enhancing public transport accessibility by setting up approximately 50 centers across the national capital for the issuance of the newly launched "Pink Saheli" cards. The distribution process is scheduled to commence from Tuesday, March 3, marking a pivotal moment in the city's mobility infrastructure.
Comprehensive Network for Card Issuance
According to an official statement, these centers have been strategically established at various locations, including the offices of district magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates, as well as select Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) facilities. This widespread network aims to ensure convenient access for all eligible residents, facilitating a smooth rollout of the initiative.
The distribution will operate from 9 am to 5 pm daily at all 50 centers, providing ample opportunity for women and transgender individuals to obtain their cards without disruption to their daily routines.
Features and Benefits of the Pink Saheli Card
Launched by President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, the Pink National Common Mobility card is designed to offer numerous advantages:
- Free Travel: Eligible women residents of Delhi can enjoy free travel on DTC buses and cluster buses.
- Seamless Access: The card enables paid travel on other public transport systems, including the Delhi Metro and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), aligning with the "one nation, one card" vision.
- Enhanced Technology: Replacing the existing paper-based pink ticket, it provides touch-free travel, digital journey records, and improved transparency in revenue accounting.
This initiative is expected to make public transport more accessible, technology-driven, and safer, while significantly reducing daily commuting expenses for women.
Verification and Integration
Each pink card will be securely linked to the beneficiary's mobile number and Aadhaar card to verify age, gender, and Delhi residency, ensuring targeted and efficient distribution. The DTC has authorized Hindon Mercantile Limited (MufinPay) and Airtel Payments Bank Limited to issue the cards, which will be integrated with the existing automatic fare collection system across Delhi's public-transport network.
The pink card will be provided free of cost at government expense, further emphasizing the commitment to supporting women's mobility.
Phased Rollout and Additional Resources
Under the broader programme, three types of mobility cards will be issued: pink for eligible women residents, blue for general commuters, and orange for monthly-pass users. In the initial phase, the pink and blue cards will be rolled out, with the orange card to be introduced later.
To assist applicants, a dedicated Pink Saheli Card online portal has been launched, featuring a comprehensive guide manual in Hindi. This resource aims to simplify the application process and provide clear instructions for women seeking to benefit from this transformative scheme.
