India, April 4 -- The Delhi government's proposed "lifetime smart cards", which are set to replace pink tickets for free bus rides, may restrict the scheme to women who are residents of the Capital, as address proof could be required during registration, officials familiar with the plan said on Thursday.

Days after Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta announced the new smart cards in her budget speech, the transport department has begun working on the scheme's logistics. The cards are expected to roll out after April 25.

However, Delhi transport minister Pankaj Singh clarified that a final decision has yet to be made.

"The schemes in Delhi are for Delhi's people, and all women will continue to avail free bus rides," he told HT on Thursday....