Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, has dismissed claims regarding restrictions on the usage of the ‘Saheli Pink Card’ for free bus travel, calling them “false” and “politically motivated propaganda.” In a video message, she clarified that there is no one-hour gap requirement between consecutive card uses, as had been widely circulated in rumours.
Gupta emphasised that the Pink National Common Mobility Card (PNCMC) is functioning efficiently and continues to provide free bus travel for women and transgender residents across Delhi. She assured commuters that the card can be used multiple times within short intervals, including gaps of just 5, 10, or 15 minutes, allowing seamless travel across the city without any limitations.
The Pink Card, launched earlier this month by Droupadi Murmu, is part of the Centre’s ‘One Nation, One Card’ initiative aimed at integrating various modes of public transport under a single payment system. So far, over one lakh cards have been distributed to eligible beneficiaries.
Replacing the earlier pink paper ticket system introduced in 2019, the new smart card offers not only free bus travel but also the convenience of paid access to services like the Delhi Metro and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
To facilitate smooth distribution, the Delhi government has established around 50 authorised centres across the city for issuing these cards. Officials reiterated that the scheme continues to operate on the same principles as before, ensuring accessible and hassle-free public transport for women.