ATM in Train? Railway test India’s 1st onboard ATM; Check All Details here

Maharashtra: The first automated teller machine (ATM) on a train in the nation successfully made its debut on Tuesday inside an air-conditioned coach of the Panchavati Express, which runs every day between Mumbai and Manmad in Nashik.

According to Indian Railways authorities, the test proceeded without incident, with the exception of a few instances in which the machine lost signal while the train traveled through a known no-network region between Igatpuri and Kasara, which also features tunnels.

ATM in Trains

"The results were good," Bhusawal, the divisional railway manager, Ity Pandey, said. "Cash withdrawals aboard a moving train will soon be possible. We'll keep an eye on the machine's performance," he stated.

The ATM is a joint project of the Bank of Maharashtra and the Railways' Bhusawal division under the Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS). Pandey told the media that the idea of setting up an ATM on trains was first suggested during an INFRIS meeting held by the Bhusawal division. He added that as soon as the idea was shared, they quickly talked about how it could be made possible.

Passengers Happy with this Initiative

On Tuesday, passengers on the Panchavati Express expressed their satisfaction with the availability of an ATM. Although the machine is located in an AC coach, it is easily accessible because vestibules connect the train's 22 coaches.

Sanjay Jha, a passenger, stated: "This is a commendable move by the Railways. Statements, checkbooks, and cash withdrawals are all available to the public. It will be really beneficial for the passengers."

ATM Service May Expand to More Trains if Successful

The machine will also be accessible for long-distance passengers to Hingoli, outside of the Manmad-Nashik route, as the Panchavati Express's rake is shared with the 12071 Mumbai–Hingoli Janshatabdi Express. Three rakes are shared by both trains.

According to officials, the onboard ATM service might be expanded to other important trains if it proves to be successful. Regarding security, the officials stated that the ATM is under 24-hour CCTV surveillance and can be closed.