In a first-of-its-kind effort, the Central Railway (CR) launched an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) successfully inside a moving train – Panchavati Express connecting Manmad (Nashik) and Mumbai.
The Panchavati Express, with the innovative facility installed in an air-conditioned coach, completed the trial run on Tuesday, enabling passengers to withdraw cash while the train is in motion.
The initiative aims to extend basic services like cash withdrawal in trains, particularly on long-travel routes with fewer or no station halts.
The ATM is placed in a cubicle at the rear of the coach, in an area that previously served as an ad hoc pantry. The space has since been locked by a shutter and placed under 24×7 CCTV observation to maintain security and avoid mishaps.
Even though the ATM is placed in an AC coach, all passengers can avail themselves of the facility due to the connected lobby between all 22 coaches of the Panchavati Express.
The Mumbai–Hingoli Jan Shatabdi Express passengers will also be able to use the service, as the train has a shared rake with Panchavati, essentially making the ATM available on a longer route.
This initiative is a collaborative project between the Railways’ Bhusawal division and Bank of Maharashtra through the Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS).
Story continues below this ad
According to Central Railway officials, the machine operated smoothly during the trial run, except for a minor network outage in the Igatpuri-Kasara stretch, which is known for its weak mobile reception due to tunnels and terrain.
Railway authorities have indicated that if the facility proves successful, more such ATMs may be installed on other trains. “We are looking at innovative ways of enhancing the passenger experience and this is one step towards making available the facility of basic banking services even while on the move,” said a CR spokesperson from the Bhusawal Division.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd