The Punjab government is moving to replace Aadhaar cards with smart cards as the primary identity proof for women availing free travel on state transport buses. The announcement came as officials from the state Transport Department floated tenders for hand‑held devices that can read the new smart cards.
Scheme Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana
The smart cards are being developed under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, a cashless health insurance scheme, but will now also serve as travel passes for women. Nearly 3.5 lakh women currently use the free bus travel facility daily, with an average journey of around 42 km per beneficiary.
Why Replace Aadhaar with Smart Cards?
Officials said the move to smart cards aims to streamline beneficiary verification and obtain real‑time data on women availing the free travel benefit. The new system is expected to target the rightful beneficiaries more accurately and rationalize expenditure on the scheme, which has been putting financial strain on state transport undertakings like PRTC, Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS.
Financial Impact on Transport Undertakings
Despite the long‑running free travel benefit, state transport bodies have reported losses due to the cost of providing the facility. Although the government allocates around ₹450 crore annually, the actual expenditure has approached ₹800 crore, creating pressure on operational finances.
Hand‑Held Devices and Implementation Timeline
The Transport Department has floated tenders for hand‑held reader devices that can scan and authenticate the smart cards. Officials project that smart cards will start being issued within the next two months, enabling women to use them as identity proof for seamless access to free travel.
Eligibility and Scheme Continuity
While the smart cards will replace Aadhaar for travel verification, the free travel benefit itself will continue for women in Punjab. The funds for the scheme are released by the Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development based on claims raised by the Transport Department.
Wider Focus on Digital Verification
Punjab’s shift to smart cards aligns with broader trends in digital identity and transport systems across India. Several states including Delhi have experimented with smart travel cards for women to replace traditional paper or Aadhaar‑based verification, underlining a move toward digital, secure and efficient public service delivery.