Full Breakdown
Delhi Launches Pink National Common Mobility Card for Women
3/2/2026, 9:06:45 PM
Introduction of the Pink NCMC
On March 2, 2023, President Droupadi Murmu officially launched the Pink National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in Delhi, aimed at providing free bus travel for eligible women residents. The launch occurred during the 'Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi' program at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, organized by the Delhi government's Department of Women and Child Development. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance women's mobility and access to public transport in the national capital.
Features of the Pink NCMC
The Pink NCMC allows women to travel free of charge on buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Additionally, the card can be utilized for paid journeys on the Delhi Metro, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and other public transport services. The card will replace the existing paper-based pink tickets currently used for free bus travel.
The issuance of the Pink NCMC will be managed by Hindon Mercantile Limited (MufinPay) and Airtel Payments Bank Limited, with around 50 centers established across the city, including District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices. Each card will be linked to the beneficiary's Aadhaar and registered mobile number to verify age, gender, and residency in Delhi.
Additional Government Initiatives
At the same event, President Murmu also launched a scheme to provide two free LPG cylinders annually to all ration card-holding families in Delhi, coinciding with the festivals of Holi and Diwali. Furthermore, the revamped Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana was introduced, which aims to deposit a total of INR56,000 in stages in the name of a girl child, with the maturity amount expected to exceed INR1 lakh by the age of 21. This scheme is available to families residing in Delhi for at least three years, with an annual income of up to INR1.20 lakh, and is limited to a maximum of two girl children per family.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Pink NCMC has been welcomed as a progressive step towards enhancing women's mobility, some critics argue that the implementation details, such as the efficiency of card distribution and the verification process, remain unclear. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential for misuse and the adequacy of funding for the program.
Official Statements
The Delhi government emphasized that the Pink NCMC is designed to facilitate seamless access to multiple public transport systems through a single smart card, promoting digital records of journeys and improved transparency in revenue accounting.
Verbatim Quotes
The introduction of the Pink NCMC represents a significant development in public transport accessibility for women in Delhi, aiming to foster greater independence and mobility.
