India, July 9 -- The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is set to roll out the "Saheli Smart Card" to enable free bus travel for women and transgender persons in the Capital, replacing the existing "pink ticket" system, officials said on Tuesday. The card, however, will only be available to Delhi residents, marking a major shift in eligibility criteria for the scheme.

Officials said the new regulation aims to ensure accountability in the system and plug revenue leakages.

Unlike the previous system, launched by the erstwhile Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government, where all women-regardless of address-were handed pink tickets by conductors, Saheli Cards will only be issued upon submission of Delhi-based address proof and Aadhaar details.

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