Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 16: In an innovative first for Indian Railways, the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express has become the first train in India to have an ATM installed onboard. The ATM, located in an air-conditioned coach, successfully completed its trial run and is now operational.

This new service allows passengers to withdraw cash while the train is in motion, a convenience that has never been offered before on Indian trains. The initiative is part of the Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (INFRIS) by Indian Railways, and it was introduced through a collaboration between the Bhusawal division of Indian Railways and the Bank of Maharashtra.

During the trial, the ATM functioned well throughout most of the journey, though there were some brief network issues between Igatpuri and Kasara, areas known for limited mobile signal due to tunnels. Ity Pandey, the Divisional Railway Manager of Bhusawal, shared that the results were promising, and passengers will now be able to access cash while traveling. The machine will continue to be monitored for performance.

The ATM is accessible to passengers from all 22 coaches of the Panchavati Express, as the coaches are connected by vestibules. In addition to cash withdrawals, passengers can use the ATM for services like ordering cheque books and receiving account statements.

Interestingly, this same ATM will also serve passengers of the Mumbai–Hingoli Jan Shatabdi Express, as the two trains share the same rake. This means more passengers on a longer route will benefit from this service.

To ensure the security of the ATM, it is equipped with a shutter system and is under 24/7 CCTV surveillance. If the service proves popular, railway officials have hinted at the possibility of expanding the facility to more trains.

This groundbreaking step represents a significant leap in railway passenger services, offering unparalleled convenience while onboard.