ATM is launched in Transit : A Central Railway installs ATMs on trains, enhancing accessibility and safety. Explore trials on Panchavati Express and future potential. In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, Central Railway (CR) has introduced an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) onboard the popular Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express. Installed as a pilot project, the ATM is expected to offer seamless banking access to travelers during their intercity journey.
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* A First for Indian Railways
The ATM, which has been provided by a leading private sector bank, has been installed in an air-conditioned chair car coach of the daily express service. According to railway officials, this is the first time in Indian Railways’ history that such a facility has been installed inside a moving train.
* Strategically Located for Accessibility and Safety
The ATM is housed in a specially designed cubicle situated at the rear end of one of the AC chair car coaches. This space was previously used as a makeshift pantry, and has now been repurposed for this unique initiative. A shutter door has also been installed for the cubicle to ensure the safety and security of passengers using the facility, especially while the train is in motion.
“The cubicle has been structurally reinforced to house the ATM safely. Accessibility and protection were key considerations during the design process,” an official involved in the project added.
* Coach Modification and Technical Integration
The entire process of modifying the coach to install the ATM was carried out at the Manmad Railway Workshop, one of Central Railway’s premier engineering hubs. Engineers and technicians worked meticulously to ensure that the integration did not compromise passenger safety or coach performance.
“Installing an ATM inside a coach comes with a set of challenges, particularly with regard to vibration control, power supply, network connectivity, and passenger movement. All these factors were taken into account before finalizing the setup,” the official explained.
ATM is launched in Transit: Panchavati Express
The Panchavati Express is one of the most well-known intercity trains in Maharashtra. Operating daily between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and Manmad Junction in Nashik district, the train completes its one-way journey in approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes.
The express service is popular among commuters, students, professionals, and tourists alike due to its punctuality and convenient timing. With a significant number of regular passengers, the train was deemed ideal for piloting the ATM project.
* Potential for Expansion
If successful, this experiment could pave the way for more ATMs and similar utility services to be introduced on long-distance and high-demand train routes across the country. This aligns with Indian Railways’ broader vision of improving onboard services and enhancing passenger satisfaction.
“This is a step toward turning Indian trains into mobile service hubs. We are also exploring other services that could be added onboard trains — such as e-commerce parcel delivery, onboard Wi-Fi upgrades, and digital entertainment systems,” a senior railway official stated.
* Public Response and Future Outlook
While the ATM is yet to be formally launched for public use, initial reactions from passengers and railway enthusiasts have been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised the idea, especially for passengers traveling without access to ATMs at their origin or destination stations.
Railway authorities plan to gather feedback from users once the ATM becomes functional. Based on usage patterns, customer feedback, and technical performance, decisions will be made regarding its continued operation and possible rollout on other routes.
This experiment marks yet another innovative attempt by Indian Railways to evolve with changing times and offer smart, tech-driven solutions for the modern traveler. With this move, the national transporter is not just moving people, but also bringing essential services closer to where they are needed the most — even if it’s on a train speeding through the countryside.
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