Cash on wheels: Railways conducts successful trials for India’s first on-board ATM on this route

In a first for the country, an ATM installed inside a train completed a successful trial run on Tuesday. The machine, set up in an air-conditioned coach of the Panchavati Express running between Manmad in Nashik and Mumbai, allows passengers to withdraw cash while the train is in motion.

According to Indian Railways officials, the trial went smoothly except for short periods of network loss between Igatpuri and Kasara. This stretch is known for poor signal due to tunnels and limited mobile coverage.

Railways, bank collaborate on on-board ATM

The ATM was introduced under the Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS) through a partnership between the Bhusawal division of the Railways and Bank of Maharashtra.


“The results were good,” said Ity Pandey, the divisional railway manager, Bhusawal. “People will now be able to withdraw cash on a moving train. We'll continue to monitor the performance of the machine,” he said.

Pandey added, “The idea to have an ATM on board trains was first floated during an INFRIS meeting organised by the Bhusawal division. We immediately discussed the modalities when the proposal came up.”

Accessible to all coaches and passengers

The ATM has been installed in an AC coach but can be accessed by passengers across the train, as all 22 coaches of the Panchavati Express are connected through vestibules.

Passenger Sanjay Jha said: “This is a good initiative by Railways. People can withdraw money, order cheque books and receive statements. It will be very helpful.”

ATM to be used on multiple routes

The ATM will also be available to passengers of the Mumbai–Hingoli Janshatabdi Express, as the train shares its rake with the Panchavati Express. This extends access to travellers on the longer Mumbai-Hingoli route.

Railway officials said the service could be expanded to more trains if it becomes popular. For security, the ATM is equipped with a shutter system and is monitored with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.