Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has strongly refuted rumours surrounding the ‘Saheli Pink Card’, calling them “false” and “politically motivated propaganda.” She assured women commuters that there are no restrictions or limitations on using the card for free travel in Delhi buses.

The clarification came after misinformation circulated suggesting that the card could not be reused immediately after one trip, causing confusion among women passengers.

No restriction on multiple bus rides

Addressing the issue, the Chief Minister clarified that women could use the Pink Card multiple times without any waiting period. She said that claims about a time gap between uses are completely incorrect.

According to her, commuters can board another bus within minutes whether after 5, 10, or 15 minutes and continue to avail free travel without any issues.

She emphasised that the system is functioning efficiently and that such rumours are being spread deliberately to mislead the public.

Appeal to women: travel without fear

CM Gupta urged women in Delhi to travel worry-free and confidently, assuring them that the government remains committed to their safety and convenience.

She highlighted that the Pink Card initiative is designed to make public transport more accessible for women and transgender passengers, ensuring affordability and ease of mobility.

The Chief Minister also appealed to citizens not to believe or spread unverified information, especially when it concerns public welfare schemes.

Part of larger mobility initiative

The Pink Card is part of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system, introduced to modernise public transport and integrate various travel services under a single smart card.

Under this scheme, women residents of Delhi can travel free of cost on buses, while also having the option to use the same card for paid services like metro and other transit systems.

The initiative replaces the earlier paper-based ticketing system and aims to bring greater transparency and convenience.

Over 1 lakh cards distributed

Officials have reported that over one lakh Pink Cards have already been issued across Delhi through multiple authorised centres. The government has set up around 50 centres to facilitate easy registration and distribution of the cards.

The move is seen as part of broader efforts to digitise public transport and improve service delivery.

Government focuses on women-centric policies

The Delhi government has been actively promoting women-focused welfare initiatives, especially in the transport sector. The Pink Card scheme is considered a key step in ensuring safe, affordable, and inclusive mobility for women.

Officials say such measures not only support daily commuters but also encourage greater participation of women in education and the workforce.

Misinformation raises concern

The spread of rumours regarding the Pink Card has raised concerns about misinformation impacting public trust in government schemes. Authorities have reiterated the importance of relying on official sources for accurate information.

The Chief Minister’s clarification aims to restore confidence among commuters and ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.

Commitment to safe and accessible transport

Reaffirming her government’s stance, CM Gupta stated that ensuring safe and hassle-free travel for women remains a top priority.

She concluded by encouraging women to continue using public transport without hesitation, assuring that the Pink Card system is fully operational and beneficial for all eligible users.