Bank of Maharashtra Installs India’s First Onboard ATM on Panchavati Express
In a groundbreaking development for Indian Railways, the Bank of Maharashtra has successfully installed an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) onboard the Panchavati Express, which operates between Mumbai and Manmad. This is the first time in Indian railway history that passengers can access ATM services while the train is in motion.
The ATM has been strategically installed in the pantry space at the end of an Air-Conditioned Chair Car coach, with a dedicated shutter system ensuring both accessibility and security. The initiative is part of the Indian Railways’ Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS) and was made possible through a collaboration with the Bhusawal Division and the Bank of Maharashtra.
Speaking on the milestone, Bhusawal Divisional Railway Manager Iti Pandey stated, “The results have been encouraging. Passengers can now withdraw cash while travelling. We will continue to monitor the performance of the ATM.”
Though the ATM is physically located in an AC coach, all passengers aboard the 22-coach Panchavati Express can access it via vestibule connections. In addition to cash withdrawals, passengers can also use the machine to request chequebooks and obtain bank account statements.
To ensure safety and continuous monitoring, the ATM is under 24-hour CCTV surveillance. A specialized shutter system has also been installed for added protection.
Railway officials say that if passenger response remains positive, similar onboard ATM services could be expanded to other trains in the near future.
This innovation marks a significant leap in Indian Railways’ efforts to enhance passenger convenience while also exploring new revenue streams.
