The free travel scheme for women in Delhi public buses began today with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia saying it will ensure their safety and increase their role in the national capital's economy.

Women will be given pink tickets in state-owned Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses to avail the free-ride scheme.

The Delhi government will reimburse transporters based on the number of pink tickets issued.

"Free-ride for women in Delhi buses has started from today. Congratulations Delhi! Apart from women safety, it will also increase the role of women in Delhi economy...," Sisodia said in a tweet in Hindi.

Delhi goes to fresh assembly elections next year and ruling Aam Aadmi Party headed by Arvind Kejriwal is looking for a second straight term in power.  

The facility will also be available in Delhi's satellite town Noida, airport and other special services operated by the DTC and cluster scheme operators.

The Delhi cabinet had on August 29 given in-principle approval to the scheme of providing free bus rides to women but put a rider on female employees of the city government that they have to give up their transport allowance to avail the facility.

Public buses in Delhi carry over 4.5 million passengers each day, according to latest official figures.