A Unique Initiative to Enhance Passenger Convenience
In a bold and first-of-its-kind initiative, the Central Railway has installed an ATM onboard the Panchavati Express, marking India’s first experiment with cash withdrawal services inside a running train. The move is aimed at offering passengers’ greater financial flexibility and accessibility during their journeys, especially on intercity routes where station halts may be brief or ATMs hard to locate.
The ATM has been set up inside an air-conditioned chair car coach of the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express in collaboration with the Bank of Maharashtra. Housed in a specially modified cubicle at the rear of the coach — previously used as a pantry — this ATM will allow passengers to withdraw cash on the move, and potentially access other banking services such as requesting cheque books or account statements.
The project, currently in its experimental phase, reflects the Indian Railways’ growing emphasis on tech-driven, passenger-centric innovations. If successful, it could be replicated across more trains in the country.
A Global First? Looking Beyond India
Globally, very few countries have experimented with ATMs on trains. While many high-speed rail networks in countries like Japan, China, and parts of Europe focus on Wi-Fi, luxury seating, and onboard vending services, the installation of full-fledged ATMs on moving trains remains largely unexplored.
Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet trains), for instance, are known for efficiency and passenger comfort, but they don’t offer ATM services onboard. Similarly, Amtrak in the U.S. and Eurostar in Europe offer contactless payments and card machines for onboard purchases, but no rail service has made ATMs a standard feature so far. This positions India as a pioneer in exploring financial accessibility in motion.
How It Works: Safety and Accessibility
The ATM cubicle has been outfitted with a shuttered door for safety and is monitored 24/7 by CCTV. Modifications to accommodate the kiosk were carried out at the Manmad Railway Workshop. Officials emphasize that these steps were taken with both security and convenience in mind.
Importantly, officials have not yet announced specific withdrawal limits, but it’s expected that standard ATM rules will apply. Once operational feedback is gathered, guidelines on daily limits and maintenance protocols will be rolled out.
Beyond the ATM: Digital Push in Railways
In parallel to this development, Indian Railways has also been promoting digital payment culture through the deployment of point-of-sale (POS) machines in select trains. This not only facilitates cashless transactions for meals but also curbs overcharging and adds transparency to billing.
Furthermore, 14 new air-conditioned local train services have been introduced in Mumbai to improve commuter comfort, especially during the scorching summer months.
A Feasible Model for Nationwide Rollout?
The onboard ATM initiative represents a significant leap in passenger convenience and service modernization. If proven successful, the model could feasibly be implemented in long-distance and premium trains across the Indian Railways network, particularly on routes with limited banking facilities or remote station stops.
As India leads the way with this globally rare innovation, Odisha and other tech-progressive states may find inspiration in such projects, prompting further digital integration in public infrastructure. The success of this pilot could very well determine whether “cash on the go” becomes the new normal for train travel in India.
(With inputs from agencies)
