Cash on Tracks: CR installs ATM on Panchavati Express for onboard cash withdrawals

In a first for Indian Railways, passengers on the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express will now have access to an ATM—right inside the train. Central Railway (CR) has launched this unique experiment to make journeys a bit more convenient for travelers who may need cash on the go.

The ATM, installed by a private bank, sits snugly inside an air-conditioned chair car coach. It's been set up in a compact cubicle at the rear of the coach, in a space that once served as a temporary pantry. To keep it safe and easy to use while the train is moving, the cubicle is fitted with a shutter door.

This pilot initiative is all about testing how practical it is to have cash withdrawal options on moving trains, and it could open the doors to more such services if the trial goes well.

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"The ATM has been installed on board the Panchavati Express on experimental basis,” said Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, as PTI reported. Depending on the results of this trial, authorities may consider extending the facility across more trains as part of an NFR (New Frontier Railways) initiative.

To make space for the ATM, the coach was modified at the Manmad Railway Workshop. Railway officials are now keeping a close eye on how the ATM works, making sure that it stays network strong during boot rides while users can withdraw money without hassle. In addition, they also ensure that it has privacy, comfort, and above all safety for users.

The Panchavati Express runs every day between Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Manmad Junction in Nashik. It’s a popular train because of its reliable timing and quick journey of around 4 hours and 35 minutes.

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If this trial goes well, it could lead to more ATMs being installed on other trains in the future. This would make it easier for passengers to access cash while traveling, adding more convenience to their journey.