The Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express has become the country’s first train to feature an ATM installed inside one of its air-conditioned coaches. This ATM allows travellers to access cash during their journey. It was introduced under Indian Railways’ INFRIS (Innovative and Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme).

The Bhusawal division partnered with theΒ BankΒ of Maharashtra to make this happen. According to railway officials, the ATM performed well during trial runs. Although there were minor network issues between Igatpuri and Kasara due to tunnels and weak signals, it functioned smoothly overall.

Senior railway officer Ity Pandey said, β€œThe results were encouraging. Passengers can now withdraw money mid-journey. We’ll keep monitoring the ATM’s performance.”Pandey said that the idea to install an ATM on the train was first coined during an INFRIS meeting held by the Bhusawal division. "After the idea was shared, the team quickly began planning how to make it work," she added.

Even though the ATM is placed in an AC coach, passengers from all 22 coaches of the Panchvati Express can use it, thanks to the connected vestibules. Besides withdrawing cash, people can also use the ATM to request cheque books and get account statements.

What’s more, Β soon the same ATM will be available to passengers on the Mumbai-Hingoli Jan Shatabdi Express too, since both trains use the same set of coaches. So, even more passengers on the longer route will be able to use the service.

For safety, the ATM has a shutter system and is watched by CCTV cameras 24/7. Railway officials said that if this ATM gets a good response, more trains may get the same service in the future.

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