“Panchvati Express Gets an ATM Indian Railways’ Big Step in Smart Travel”
Indian Railways installs ATM onboard Mumbai–Manmad Panchvati Express, enabling passengers to withdraw cash during the journey in a first-of-its-kind innovation.
Mumbai–Manmad Panchvati Express becomes India’s first train with an onboard ATM. Launched under Indian Railways’ INFRIS scheme, the service enables passengers to withdraw cash, order cheque books, and more during travel.
Mumbai, April 16 – Breaking new ground in convenience and innovation, the Mumbai–Manmad Panchvati Express has emerged as India’s first train with an ATM facility onboard enabling passengers to make withdrawals on the go.
The ATM has been installed in an air-conditioned coach of the train and has recently conducted a successful trial run. This unique initiative has been launched under the Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS) by the Indian Railways, in partnership with the Bank of Maharashtra and the Bhusawal Railway Division.
The ATM is not restricted to only one service—apart from cash withdrawal, travelers can even ask for cheque books and account statements, rendering it a banking facility on rails.
“The performance was satisfactory. Individuals will now be able to withdraw money while on the move. We will continue to observe the machine’s performance,” said Ity Pandey, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Bhusawal, who confirmed that the concept was initially discussed during an INFRIS brainstorming session.
Although a few brief network issues were experienced on the stretch between Igatpuri and Kasara, which includes several tunnels and areas of low mobile connectivity, officials said the machine performed reliably throughout the journey.
The ATM has been strategically located inside an AC coach but is still within reach of passengers from all 22 coaches of the Panchvati Express through connecting vestibules. To ensure greater security, the arrangement is also guarded by a shutter system and CCTV monitoring 24/7.
Interestingly, the same ATM facility will also cater to passengers of the Mumbai–Hingoli Jan Shatabdi Express, since it shares the rake of the Panchvati Express—taking the facility to additional routes and passengers.
Railway officials have signaled the potential extension of the facility to other trains based on feedback from passengers and the success of this launch.
This move represents a major stride in reimagining passenger convenience and adopting technological upgradation within Indian Railways.
