Imagine being denied a free bus ride—not because you’re not eligible, but because your Aadhaar card won’t verify. That’s the looming reality for millions of women in Delhi as the government rolls out its new **Pink Saheli card** in January 2026. Replacing the much-publicized pink paper tickets, this smart card promises a more transparent and efficient system for women’s free public transport. But it also makes Aadhaar mandatory, sparking a fierce debate over inclusion, privacy, and digital equity.
On the surface, the initiative—part of Delhi’s broader gender-inclusive mobility policy—sounds progressive. Yet, beneath the glossy promise of convenience lies a complex web of logistical, legal, and social challenges. Is this truly empowerment, or a well-intentioned policy that could leave vulnerable women behind?
Table of Contents
- What Is the Pink Saheli Card?
- Eligibility & How to Apply
- Why Aadhaar Is Mandatory—and the Controversy It Sparks
- Benefits Promised by the Delhi Government
- Privacy and Exclusion Concerns Raised by Activists
- How Does This Compare to the Old Pink Ticket System?
- What Happens If Your Aadhaar Fails to Verify?
- Conclusion: Empowerment or Digital Barrier?
- Sources
What Is the Pink Saheli Card?
The **Pink Saheli card** is a contactless smart card set to replace the pink paper tickets that have granted women free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses since 2019. Announced by the Delhi government as a “modern, secure, and user-friendly” alternative, the card will be issued to all eligible women starting January 2026 .
Unlike the old system—which relied on physical tickets that were prone to duplication and fraud—the new card will be linked to a woman’s Aadhaar number and biometric data, theoretically ensuring that only genuine beneficiaries can access the benefit.
Eligibility & How to Apply
Not every woman qualifies. Here’s who can apply:
- Women aged 12 years and above
- Must be a permanent resident of Delhi (proof of address required)
- Must possess a valid Aadhaar card linked to a Delhi address
Applications will be processed through designated centers run by the Delhi Transport Department and Common Service Centers (CSCs) across the city. The card will be issued free of cost, with a one-time registration process that includes biometric authentication.
Why Aadhaar Is Mandatory—and the Controversy It Sparks
The government’s rationale is clear: prevent misuse. In the past, reports surfaced of men using pink tickets or tickets being sold in the black market. By tying the benefit to Aadhaar, officials claim they can ensure “only real beneficiaries benefit” .
But civil society groups, including the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), argue that making Aadhaar mandatory for a public welfare scheme contradicts Supreme Court guidelines. In the landmark *Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India* (2017) judgment, the Court ruled that Aadhaar cannot be made compulsory for accessing essential services unless backed by law .
Benefits Promised by the Delhi Government
Proponents highlight several advantages of the **Pink Saheli card**:
- Reduced Fraud: Digital tracking minimizes ticket duplication.
- Faster Boarding: Tap-and-go technology speeds up bus entry, reducing crowding.
- Data for Planning: Anonymous usage data can help optimize bus routes and frequencies in women-heavy areas.
- Dignity & Convenience: No more fumbling for paper tickets; a single card works across all DTC and cluster buses.
For more on urban mobility innovations, see our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:smart-cities-and-public-transport].
Privacy and Exclusion Concerns Raised by Activists
Critics counter that the benefits come at a steep cost:
- Exclusion Risk: Women with Aadhaar issues—mismatched biometrics, outdated addresses, or no enrollment—could be denied service.
- Data Privacy: Linking travel data to a national ID creates a surveillance trail. Who owns this data? How is it stored?
- Digital Divide: Elderly, disabled, or low-income women may struggle with the tech-heavy application process.
“This isn’t just about a bus ride,” says Anushka Jain of IFF. “It’s about whether access to public space should be conditional on perfect digital identity.”
How Does This Compare to the Old Pink Ticket System?
The original pink ticket, launched in 2019, was hailed as a feminist breakthrough—boosting women’s workforce participation by up to 12% in some studies . It was simple: show up, get a ticket, ride free. No IDs, no verification.
The **Pink Saheli card** trades that simplicity for security. While fraud existed, many argue it was a small price to pay for near-universal access. The new system risks turning a right into a privilege contingent on bureaucratic compliance.
What Happens If Your Aadhaar Fails to Verify?
The government says “grievance redressal mechanisms” will be in place. But past experiences with Aadhaar-linked welfare schemes suggest delays, denials, and long queues are common. Without a clear fallback—like a provisional card or manual verification—many women could be stranded.
Conclusion: Empowerment or Digital Barrier?
The **Pink Saheli card** embodies a modern dilemma: how to balance efficiency, security, and inclusion in public policy. While digitization can enhance service delivery, it must not become a gatekeeper that excludes the very people it’s meant to serve.
Delhi’s women deserve safe, free, and dignified transport. But true empowerment means ensuring that no woman is left behind—whether because of a fingerprint that won’t match or a system that values data over dignity.
Sources
- The Times of India: “Pink Saheli card: Delhi Aadhaar mandatory for free bus rides for women in 2026”
- Supreme Court of India: Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017)
- Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF): Statement on Aadhaar and Public Services (Dec 2025)
- World Bank Report: “Impact of Free Bus Rides on Women’s Employment in Delhi” (2023)
- Delhi Transport Department: Official Guidelines for Pink Saheli Card Rollout