MUMBAI, April 16: In a groundbreaking move, the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express has become the first train in India to offer an onboard ATM facility. The ATM, installed in an air-conditioned coach, successfully completed its trial run and allows passengers to withdraw cash even while the train is in motion.
The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS) and is a result of collaboration between the Bhusawal division of Indian Railways and the Bank of Maharashtra. According to railway officials, the machine functioned smoothly throughout the journey, except for minor network issues in the Igatpuri–Kasara stretch, an area known for poor signal due to tunnels and limited mobile connectivity.
Divisional Railway Manager of Bhusawal, Ity Pandey, confirmed the successful trial. “The results were good. People will now be able to withdraw cash while travelling. We will keep monitoring the performance of the machine,” she said. Pandey further shared that the idea was first proposed during an INFRIS meeting and was quickly acted upon by the team.
Though the ATM is situated in an AC coach, passengers from all 22 coaches of the Panchavati Express can access it via interconnected vestibules. Besides cash withdrawals, the ATM also offers services like cheque book requests and account statement generation.
Interestingly, this ATM will also be available to passengers travelling on the Mumbai–Hingoli Jan Shatabdi Express, as it shares the same rake with the Panchavati Express. This expands the benefit of the facility to travelers on the longer route as well.
To ensure safety and security, the ATM is equipped with a shutter system and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. Railway officials indicated that, depending on its popularity, similar ATMs may be introduced on more trains in the future.
