Indian Railways is set to transform rail travel in the country with various projects in the pipeline. The latest initiative that has garnered attention is the installation of ATMs on trains. Yes, you read that right! If you are traveling by train and find yourself without enough cash or lacking network connectivity, Indian Railways has a solution. They are installing ATMs on trains to address this issue. In fact, India’s first ATM on a train was launched on Mumbai’s Panchavati Express. Read on to know more about this.
India has introduced its first ATM on a train on the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express, allowing passengers to withdraw cash while traveling. This initiative by Central Railway aims to enhance convenience for those who may need cash during their journey.
In a first, ATM facility in train. pic.twitter.com/onTHy8lxkd
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) April 16, 2025
The ATM, installed by a private bank, is in an air-conditioned coach within a small cubicle located toward the back of the coach, previously used as a temporary pantry. To ensure safety and ease of use while the train is in motion, the cubicle features a shutter door.
India’s First ATM On Train Is Being Monitored By Officials To Ensure The Experience Is Smooth
The coach was modified at the Manmad Railway Workshop to accommodate the ATM, and officials are closely monitoring the service to ensure stable network connectivity throughout the route, allowing passengers a seamless cash withdrawal experience. The Panchavati Express runs daily between Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Manmad Junction in Nashik, completing the journey in approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes.
This initiative serves as a pilot program to evaluate the practicality of providing cash withdrawal services on moving trains. If successful, it could lead to similar amenities being available on other routes in the future.
According to Swapnil Nila, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, the ATM on the Panchavati Express is being tested on a trial basis. Depending on the results, railway authorities are considering expanding this service under a broader NFR (New Frontier Railways) plan.
