In a pioneering move, the Central Railway (CR) has installed India’s first onboard automated teller machine (ATM) on the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express, launched on an experimental basis to enhance passenger convenience.

The ATM, set up in collaboration with the Bank of Maharashtra, is housed in a modified air-conditioned chair car coach and will be accessible to passengers soon, officials announced on Tuesday.

Located in a cubicle at the coach’s rear—previously a makeshift pantry—the ATM is secured with a shutter door for safety and accessibility during the train’s motion. The coach modifications were completed at the Manmad Railway Workshop, ensuring seamless operation.

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“This is a trial to provide cash withdrawal options mid-journey,” said CR’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Swapnil Nila. The initiative, part of the Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme, faced minor signal issues between Igatpuri and Kasara but performed well overall, per Bhusawal’s divisional railway manager, Ity Pandey.

The Panchavati Express, a daily service connecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai to Manmad Junction in Nashik, covers 259 km in about 4 hours and 35 minutes. With 22 vestibule-connected coaches, the ATM is accessible to all passengers.

Social media reactions are mixed, with some praising the convenience and others urging focus on cleanliness and speed. If successful, the service may expand to other trains like the Mumbai-Hingoli Janshatabdi Express, which shares the rake.

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