In a significant move, the Delhi government has announced the introduction of a "smart travel card" for women, allowing free travel on public buses, replacing the controversial 'pink ticket' scheme. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta revealed this change on Monday, emphasizing that the new card would be exclusively for women residing in Delhi. The scheme aims to curb corruption and ensure that benefits reach only genuine residents.

The "pink ticket" system, introduced in 2019, allowed women to travel for free on DTC and cluster buses. However, the BJP government has accused the AAP administration of misusing the scheme for political gain, leading to inflated bills and widespread corruption. CM Gupta termed it "pink corruption" and promised a more efficient, transparent approach.

The new smart card will be issued after verifying the recipient's Delhi residency, with documents like Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration cards required. The government also plans a rigorous verification campaign to ensure that benefits are restricted to actual residents, eliminating the misuse by non-residents. This shift to digital ticketing aims to save money and reduce fraudulent activities, marking a significant reform in Delhi’s public transport system.