Delhi: Women allowed to use pink tickets for free travel in DTC buses till Aug 15

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) In a relief for women commuters, the Delhi government has allowed them to use pink tickets for availing free travel in DTC buses till August 15, an official said on Friday.

The decision automatically extends from August 1 to August 16 the deadline for the mandatory use of the Pink Saheli Smart Card (NCMC) for availing free travel, said the official.

As per the revised decision, conductors will continue issuing pink tickets till August 15 midnight, while the mandatory use of the Pink Saheli Smart Card will now come into effect from August 16, said Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh.

He said the decision has been taken to facilitate a smooth transition to the smart card-based system and ensure that no eligible commuter is inconvenienced during the changeover.

As on July 31, a total of 17.04 lakh Pink Cards have already been issued, reflecting the strong response from women commuters towards the initiative, he said.

“The decision to extend the deadline has been taken solely in the interest of women commuters, giving every eligible beneficiary sufficient time to obtain the Pink Saheli Smart Card,” said Pankaj Kumar Singh.

He said all women passengers should get their NCMC cards issued before August 16 and continue enjoying the free travel facility without interruption.

“The officials have also been directed to undertake extensive awareness campaigns and provide every possible assistance so that the transition is seamless for all,” he said.

As per the earlier circular issued on July 10, only women passengers with a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card (NCMC) were eligible for free travel in DTC buses from August 1. However, to ensure that all eligible women get adequate time to obtain the card, the government has decided to continue the existing free travel arrangement till August 15.

Pankaj Kumar Singh said that the Delhi government is making every effort to ensure that the transition is smooth, citizen-friendly and free from inconvenience.

He said all bus depot managers, regional managers and conductors have been instructed to intensify public awareness campaigns and assist women passengers in obtaining their Pink Saheli Smart Cards before the revised deadline.

–IANS

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