Aadhaar Card

Delhi Women Must Link Aadhaar Card for Free Bus Travel Under New Pink Pass

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Aadhaar Card Mandatory for Free Bus Rides for Women in Delhi Under New Pink Pass System

New Delhi | Updated: July 18, 2025 | CreditSamadhaan.com

In a major policy shift impacting lakhs of women commuters, the Delhi government has made the Aadhaar card mandatory for availing free bus rides in the city. The popular Pink Ticket scheme, which provided free travel to all women on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Cluster buses, will now be replaced by a new ‘Pink Pass’ system—exclusive to Delhi-resident women only.

What Has Changed?

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision during a press briefing, stating that this initiative is designed to ensure that only legitimate Delhi residents benefit from the scheme. The new Pink Pass will require Aadhaar card verification as proof of residency, thereby barring women from neighbouring states from accessing the benefit.

“Very soon, we will replace the pink ticket with a Pink Pass for free bus travel for women in Delhi. However, this free travel will be available only to women who are residents of Delhi,” said CM Rekha Gupta.

This move is seen as a significant step toward tightening eligibility, improving digital governance, and addressing financial leakage in the transport sector.

Aadhaar Card: The Gatekeeper to Free Travel

The most striking part of this announcement is the mandatory Aadhaar card linkage. Under the upcoming Pink Pass system:

  • Only women with a valid Aadhaar card showing a Delhi residential address will be eligible.

  • The Aadhaar will be used to verify residency, thereby eliminating misuse by non-residents.

  • The system is expected to eventually transition to a digital platform, possibly integrating with smart cards or mobile apps.

Aadhaar card, already a critical ID for various government schemes, will now act as a gateway for public transport benefits as well.

Why the Change? The Government’s Reasoning

According to Transport Minister Pankaj Singh, the primary goal of this change is to plug the loopholes in the current Pink Ticket system, which is being exploited by women from neighbouring states. By enforcing Aadhaar-based residency verification, the government aims to make the subsidy targeted and efficient.

Additionally, officials clarified that the transition will be gradual, and existing pink tickets will continue to be valid until the new system is implemented.

New Infrastructure to Support the Overhaul

In addition to the Pink Pass announcement, CM Rekha Gupta also inaugurated a state-of-the-art automatic vehicle testing station at the Nand Nagri Depot. This initiative is part of the broader effort to modernize Delhi’s public transport system. The station will digitally test bus fitness, reduce delays, and improve road safety.

CM Gupta also addressed the financial burden faced by DTC, revealing a staggering ₹65,000 crore loss. As a corrective measure, the government will collaborate with IIT experts to rework DTC’s bus routes, aiming to make them more commuter-friendly and operationally sustainable.

What Commuters Can Expect Next

  • Pink Tickets will remain valid until further notice.

  • Pink Pass rollout date will be announced soon.

  • Women must link their Aadhaar card with the new pass to continue enjoying free rides.

  • A possible future upgrade to digital cards or app-based access is on the cards.

This shift is part of Delhi’s larger digital push, aimed at offering safe, subsidized, and transparent public transport, especially for women.

Public Reactions and Concerns

While some commuters welcomed the stricter verification, many expressed concern about accessibility for women without Aadhaar or those who recently moved to Delhi. Critics argue that the policy may exclude deserving women in transition or those without documentation.

However, officials have assured that adequate time and awareness drives will be conducted, and a grievance redressal system will be put in place during the implementation phase.

Conclusion

The Delhi government’s move to introduce the Pink Pass backed by Aadhaar card verification marks a new chapter in public welfare governance. While the intent is to curb misuse and optimize benefits, its success will heavily depend on seamless implementation, digital infrastructure, and inclusive outreach.

For now, women in Delhi are advised to keep their Aadhaar cards updated with their Delhi address and stay tuned for further announcements.

For latest updates on Aadhaar-based public schemes and Delhi transport news, visit CreditSamadhaan.com