This Indian train gets an ATM on-board; passengers can take out cash, request cheque books & more

The Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express has become the first train in India to feature an ATM onboard. Installed in one of its air-conditioned coaches, the ATM allows passengers to withdraw cash even while the train is in motion. This innovation is part of Indian Railways’ Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS) aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and generating additional revenue.

The onboard ATM is a result of collaboration between the Bhusawal division of Indian Railways and the Bank of Maharashtra. The trial run of the machine was completed recently and was deemed successful by officials, despite minor connectivity issues along the Igatpuri-Kasara stretch, known for its tunnel-filled terrain and weak mobile signals.

Divisional Railway Manager of Bhusawal, Ity Pandey, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “The results were good. People will now be able to withdraw cash while traveling. We will keep monitoring the performance of the machine,” she said. She also revealed that the concept was born during an INFRIS meeting hosted by the Bhusawal division and was quickly taken up for execution.

Though installed in an AC coach, the ATM can be accessed by passengers from all 22 coaches of the Panchavati Express via inter-coach vestibules. It’s not just limited to cash withdrawals — the ATM also allows passengers to request cheque books and get account statements, adding another layer of banking convenience during long journeys.

Interestingly, the same rake is used for the Mumbai-Hingoli Jan Shatabdi Express, which means this ATM service is now extended to a larger passenger base. Given its longer route, the Jan Shatabdi passengers stand to benefit even more from this novel service.

Security has been a top priority, with the ATM enclosed in a shutter-protected booth and monitored through CCTV surveillance 24x7. Railway officials say that if passenger response remains positive, similar ATMs could be introduced in more trains across the country, potentially reshaping onboard services on Indian Railways.