In a groundbreaking move, Indian Railways has introduced an onboard ATM facility, allowing passengers to withdraw cash while the train is in motion. This is the first time such a service has been launched in India, and a successful trial has already been conducted.

🚆 Where and How It Began

The first trial of this innovative service was launched in the AC coach of the Panchvati Express, which runs between Manmad (Nashik) and Mumbai. The ATM, provided by Bank of Maharashtra, has been installed in a temporary pantry section at the rear of the coach and secured with a shutter door.

📡 Trial Successful, Minor Signal Issues Noted

According to the Railway Ministry’s Executive Director of Information and Publicity, the test was largely successful. However, signal issues were reported between Manmad and Igatpuri, especially in areas with low network coverage and tunnels. Despite these challenges, the trial yielded positive results.

🧑‍💼 DRM Iti Pandey’s Statement

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Iti Pandey from Bhusaval commented, “This will be a great convenience for passengers. If someone runs out of cash during the journey, they can now easily withdraw money without waiting for a station.”

🔧 Technical Modifications in Coach

To make this idea work, significant technical modifications were made at the Manmad Railway Workshop. The ATM was customized to function smoothly despite the train’s high speed and frequent jolts. Additionally, the coach was equipped with the necessary electrical and network support to power the machine.

📈 Plans to Expand the Facility

A senior Railway Ministry official confirmed that the department is planning to expand this service. If the pilot proves completely successful, similar ATMs will be installed on more trains—especially those that serve rural and remote routes.

This initiative aligns with India’s Digital India mission and enhances the overall comfort and convenience of train travel.

🧳 A Big Relief for Cash-Strapped Travelers

This service is expected to particularly benefit passengers from remote areas, where access to banking facilities during travel is limited. Indian Railways continues to push boundaries to make train journeys more seamless and digitally enabled.