New Delhi, Aug 31 (IANS) In a major relief to women commuters, the Delhi government has extended the existing arrangement for paper-based pink tickets for availing free bus travel in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Department of Transport (Cluster) buses till September 17, an official said on Monday.

Speaking to IANS, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, “The pink tickets available on buses have been extended. The pink ticket, which was supposed to end on 31, has now been extended until September 17, the Prime Minister’s birthday. Pink tickets will be available until September 17, after which the pink card will be used.”

The Minister had earlier announced the extension of the facility till August 31, urging women to get their Pink Saheli Smart Card (National Common Mobility Card) made over the next 17 days.

The Pink Saheli Smart Card will now become mandatory for availing the free travel facility from September 17, said an official.

The Delhi government aims to completely discontinue the existing practice of issuing paper tickets to women availing free travel in public transport buses.

The government plans to switch to Pink Saheli Smart Card for free travel by women as the digital instrument will record journey records and will be linked to women’s Aadhaar cards and mobile phones.

At the time of the extension of the last deadline, Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, “The festive season, especially Raksha Bandhan, is an occasion when our mothers, sisters and daughters travel to meet their families. Keeping their convenience in mind, the Delhi government has decided to extend the existing arrangement till August 31.”

“Our priority is to ensure that no eligible woman commuter faces any inconvenience during this transition,” the Minister added.

An official said that, as per the revised arrangement, eligible women passengers can continue to receive paper-based pink tickets and avail free travel in DTC buses up to September 17.

From September 17, free travel will be available only through a valid Pink Saheli Smart Card, he said.

As per Delhi government records, over 18.13 lakh Pink Saheli Smart Cards have been issued.

The Transport Department has directed Depot Managers, Regional Managers, conductors and enforcement staff to widely publicise the revised deadline and encourage women commuters to obtain their cards before September 17, he said.

Awareness campaigns will be undertaken through depot and in-bus announcements, social media, print media and other channels, he added.

–IANS

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