ATM in Train: Indian Railways Tests India’s First Onboard Cash Machine

Indian Railways took the initiative to start a trial run of an ATM in a running train, for the first time introduced in the country. But the question is where it has been installed, and undoubtedly it has been installed for the first time on Panchavati Express, this train runs between Manmad and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. The initiative has been introduced with the help and partnership of the Bank of Maharashtra.

Passengers travelling on the given routes can easily withdraw cash during their train journey. Railway officials came up with the idea as banking services would be available for the passengers during their train travel. Railway MinisterAshwini Vaishnaw shared the insight of the ATM installed in the coach and told about the beginning of the ‘ATM on Wheels’ concept. 

From Idea to Trial Run

Officials discussed the proposal for installing mobile ATMs in trains with vendors in a meeting on March 25. After internal discussions and approvals, they conducted the first trial on April 10 on Train No. 12110 Manmad–CSMT Panchavati Express.

For the installation, the train’s mini pantry space was modified and turned into a secure cabin for the ATM.The railway’s mechanical team fixed the machine using bolts and rubber padding so that vibrations during the journey would not affect its functioning.

Officials said special care was taken to ensure safety. The ATM unit was tightly secured before the train began its maiden run with the machine onboard. Two fire extinguishers were also placed in the compartment as a precautionary measure.

Why an ATM Inside a Train?

It is known that digital payments are more likely to be popular and convenient when used widely. But cash is as important for many regular expenses, during the train journey, the need for cash is still necessary if they get off at a station and want to buy something from local vendors. Sometimes online payment options may not always work smoothly, so cash is the rescuer. The online ATM aims to fulfil the requirement of cash and fill the gaps.

The initiative helped Indian Railways to generate extra income just to allow commercial use of onboard space. If the trial is successful and feedback remains positive, similar facilities could be introduced on other important routes.

Part of a Broader Modernisation Drive

The ATM experiment comes at a time when Indian Railways is focusing on infrastructure upgrades and service improvements under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

In 2024, Indian Railways renewed 6,450 km of railway tracks.

• Around 8,550 turnout renewals were completed across the network.
• Speeds up to 130 kmph have been enabled on over 2,000 km of routes.
• 3,210 Route Kilometres were electrified last year.
• The electrified broad-gauge network has reached 97%.
• Renewable energy capacity has increased to 2,014 MW.
  

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 1,337 stations are being redeveloped. The Railways has introduced 136 Vande Bharat Express services and launched the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. During peak travel periods, more than 21,500 special train trips were operated to manage the rush.

In the safety segment, 10,000 locomotives are being fitted with Kavach, an indigenous collision avoidance system. The project has already trained around 9,000 technicians and floated tenders for 15,000 route kilometres. Check the Train between station become the saviour for the passengers.

What Lies Ahead

The onboard ATM is currently on trial, and its performance will be reviewed before any wider rollout. If it proves practical and safe, passengers on more routes may soon find banking services just a few steps away from their seats.

Quick Summary for Your Blog: