India’s First Onboard ATM Trial by Indian Railways – All You Need to Know

In a groundbreaking move to enhance passenger convenience, Indian Railways has successfully conducted a trial of India's first onboard Automated Teller Machine (ATM) on the Mumbai–Manmad Panchavati Express. This initiative, a collaboration between Indian Railways' Bhusawal division and the Bank of Maharashtra, aims to provide passengers with the ability to withdraw cash during their journey.

Key Highlights:

Trial Details: The trial run took place on April 10, 2025, aboard the Panchavati Express, which operates daily between Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Manmad Junction in Nashik.

ATM Installation: The ATM was installed in an air-conditioned coach, replacing a temporary pantry area. The coach was modified at the Manmad Railway Workshop to accommodate the ATM, ensuring it is securely bolted and equipped with rubber padding to mitigate vibrations. Additionally, two fire extinguishers have been placed nearby as a safety measure.

Accessibility: While the ATM is located in an AC coach, it is accessible to all passengers, as the train's 22 coaches are interconnected through vestibules.

Network Connectivity: The ATM functioned smoothly throughout most of the journey. However, minor network issues were observed in the Igatpuri–Kasara section, known for limited signal coverage due to multiple tunnels.

Security Measures: To ensure passenger safety and ATM security, the kiosk is equipped with a shutter door and monitored by round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.

Future Prospects: If the pilot project proves successful, Indian Railways plans to expand this service to other trains and routes. Future enhancements may include additional banking services such as cash deposits and mobile banking kiosks at railway stations.

This initiative is part of Indian Railways' broader strategy under the Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS) to enhance passenger amenities and generate additional revenue streams.