How to Get a Pink Card for Free Metro and Bus Travel in Hyderabad
In a major expansion of its welfare schemes, the Telangana government has officially launched the “Pink Card,” a unified smart card that provides free travel for women on all non-AC TSRTC buses and, for the first time, the Hyderabad Metro Rail service. This initiative, announced on October 14, 2025, is an extension of the popular ‘Mahalakshmi‘ free bus travel scheme.
The Pink Card aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable transportation for women across the state, making daily commutes for work and education more accessible. The application process is simple and primarily requires a Telangana domicile proof. This guide provides a step-by-step process on how to get your Pink Card.
What is the Telangana Pink Card?
- Purpose: A single smart card for free and seamless travel for women.
- Benefits: Free, unlimited travel on all Palle Velugu, Express, and City Ordinary/Metro Express TSRTC buses within Telangana, and on the Hyderabad Metro Rail network.
- Eligibility: All girls, women, and transgender persons who are domiciled in Telangana are eligible to apply. There is no age or income limit.
How to Apply for the Pink Card: A Step-by-Step Guide
You can apply for the Pink Card through either the online or offline method.
Method 1: Applying Online (Recommended)
The online process is the fastest and most convenient way to get your card.
- Visit the Official Portal: Open your web browser and go to the official state portal (for example,
mahalakshmi.telangana.gov.in). - Find the ‘Pink Card’ Link: On the homepage, click on the link that says “Apply for Pink Card for Free Travel.”
- Aadhaar Verification: Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number. A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. Be ready to receive it. Ready to receive it.. Enter the OTP to proceed.
- Confirm Your Details: Your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and address, will be automatically fetched from your Aadhaar data. Verify that all the details are correct.
- Upload Photograph: You will be prompted to upload a recent passport-sized color photograph in JPEG format.
- Submit Application: After uploading the photo, review your application one last time and click the ‘Submit’ button. An application reference number will be generated.
- Card Delivery: The Pink Card will be printed and sent by post to the address mentioned on your Aadhaar card within 15-20 working days.
Method 2: Applying Offline
- Get the Application Form: Visit your nearest major bus station, select Mee Seva centers, or your local MRO office to get the physical application form.
- Fill the Form: Fill out the form with your details as per your Aadhaar card.
- Attach Documents: Attach a self-attested photocopy of your Aadhaar card and one passport-sized photograph.
- Submit: Submit the completed form at the designated counter. You will be given an acknowledgment slip. The card will be sent to your address by post.
How to Use the Pink Card in the Hyderabad Metro
Using the Pink Card in the metro is a simple tap-and-go process.
- Entry: At the entry gate, simply tap your Pink Card on the designated spot on the automated fare collection (AFC) gate. The gate will open, and your journey will be registered.
- Exit: At your destination station, tap your Pink Card again on the AFC gate to exit.
- No fare will be deducted, but tapping at both entry and exit is mandatory to complete the journey record.
This new scheme is a landmark step in making public transportation in Hyderabad more inclusive and accessible for women. All eligible women are encouraged to apply for their Pink Card at the earliest.