Cash on Wheels: Panchavati Express Becomes India’s First Train with Onboard ATM

LUCKNOW: In a groundbreaking development for Indian Railways, the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express has earned the distinction of being the first train in the country to feature an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) onboard. This one-of-a-kind initiative is a significant leap in enhancing passenger convenience, allowing travellers to withdraw cash and access basic banking services while on the move.

The ATM, installed in an air-conditioned coach of the train, recently completed a successful trial run and is now fully operational. It has been introduced under the Indian Railways’ Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS), an initiative aimed at improving passenger experience while generating non-fare revenue for the railways. This pioneering project is the result of a collaboration between the Bhusawal division of Indian Railways and the Bank of Maharashtra.

Banking on the Rails: A New Chapter in Passenger Convenience

The concept of installing an ATM in a moving train may have once seemed far-fetched, but Indian Railways has turned this vision into a reality. Passengers aboard the Panchavati Express can now access cash withdrawal services while en route, a feature that has been widely appreciated during the initial trials. In addition to withdrawing cash, users can also request cheque books, print mini statements, and access other essential banking services.

According to railway officials, the machine functioned efficiently throughout the journey, with only minor network issues reported. The stretch between Igatpuri and Kasara, which is known for its multiple tunnels and poor mobile connectivity, did pose some brief technical challenges. However, these were not significant enough to affect the overall success of the trial.

A Vision Realised Through Collaboration

Ity Pandey, the Divisional Railway Manager of Bhusawal, played a pivotal role in turning the idea into a reality. Speaking to the media, she shared that the proposal to introduce an ATM onboard a running train was first tabled during an INFRIS brainstorming session held by the Bhusawal division.

“The results were good. People will now be able to withdraw cash while travelling. We will keep monitoring the performance of the machine,” Pandey said. She further revealed that once the idea was floated, her team moved quickly to examine the feasibility and implementation strategies required to bring it to life.

Accessibility Across Coaches

Though the ATM is physically installed in an air-conditioned coach, it is not limited to AC-class passengers alone. The Panchavati Express consists of 22 coaches, all connected via vestibules, ensuring that passengers from any coach can access the ATM facility. This thoughtful arrangement ensures equitable access to the new service across all classes of travellers.

Railway officials noted that extra security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of the ATM and its users. The machine is equipped with a sturdy shutter system and is under 24/7 surveillance through CCTV cameras. These precautions are aimed at preventing any misuse or tampering during the journey.

Shared Rake, Shared Benefits

In another interesting twist, the same rake that serves the Panchavati Express is also used for the Mumbai-Hingoli Jan Shatabdi Express. This means passengers on the longer Hingoli route will also be able to access the ATM, expanding the benefits of this innovation to a wider base of rail users.

Given the growing digital needs of travellers and the unpredictable nature of cash availability in smaller towns or remote railway stations, the onboard ATM could be a game-changer. It offers a reliable solution for passengers who may find themselves in need of emergency cash during their journey, especially in areas with limited banking facilities.

Future Potential and Expansion

The Indian Railways sees this initiative as more than just a one-off experiment. If the onboard ATM service receives a positive response from passengers and proves to be operationally viable over time, the Railways plans to roll it out across more trains. Such a move would align perfectly with the government’s broader push for enhancing passenger amenities and modernising the railway network.

This project also highlights the potential of public-private partnerships in driving innovation in the public transportation sector. The collaboration with Bank of Maharashtra is a testament to how strategic partnerships can lead to solutions that benefit both service providers and the general public.

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The ATM initiative on the Panchavati Express reflects a broader trend of digitisation and smart infrastructure being integrated into the Indian Railways system. From Wi-Fi enabled stations to e-catering services and now onboard banking, the national transporter is gradually evolving into a more passenger-centric entity.

For the everyday commuter, this means increased convenience, better services, and more reliable travel experiences. For the Indian Railways, it signals a new direction in monetising non-fare revenue streams while improving the quality of life on board.

As passengers of the Panchavati Express continue to explore this new banking facility on wheels, one thing is certain—India’s rail journeys are entering a more connected, convenient, and innovative era. And with the success of this first onboard ATM, it may not be long before other trains across the country follow suit, making cash withdrawals at 80 km/h the new normal.