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India’s railway network took a significant step forward with the successful trial run of the country’s first on-board ATM, installed in an air-conditioned coach of the Panchavati Express.
This ATM, a joint initiative by the Bhusawal division of Indian Railways and the Bank of Maharashtra, aims to enhance passenger convenience by allowing withdrawals and other banking services while on the move.
Smooth Trial With Minor Connectivity Challenges
The ATM was tested aboard the Panchavati Express, which travels between Manmad and Mumbai.
The trial, conducted on Tuesday, was largely successful, with passengers able to withdraw cash during their journey.
However, there were brief moments when the machine lost connectivity, particularly in the no-network zone between Igatpuri and Kasara, which also includes tunnels.
Despite these minor setbacks, the overall performance of the ATM was deemed satisfactory by railway officials.
Bhusawal DRM Ity Pandey confirmed that the results were positive. “People will now be able to withdraw cash on a moving train. We’ll continue to monitor the performance of the machine,” Pandey told The Times of India.
Passenger Convenience & Access To Banking Services
Officials have positioned the ATM for easy passenger access, connecting all 22 coaches of the train through vestibules.
This accessibility ensures that passengers can use the service without having to leave their coach.
In addition to cash withdrawals, passengers can also order cheque books and receive account statements.
Passenger Sanjay Jha shared his thoughts on the initiative: “This is a good initiative. People can withdraw money, order cheque books, and receive statements. It will be very helpful.”
Expansion Plans For The Service
This ATM service is not limited to passengers traveling between Manmad and Mumbai.
As the Panchavati Express shares rakes with the 12071 Mumbai-Hingoli Janshatabdi Express, the ATM will also be available to long-distance passengers traveling beyond the Manmad-Nashik route, including the Hingoli segment.
Railway officials plan to extend the on-board ATM service to other major trains if it gains popularity, enhancing passenger convenience across the Indian Railways network.
The introduction of the on-board ATM is part of a broader effort to improve passenger services and accessibility on trains.
With the convenience of banking services available during train travel, passengers can enjoy a smoother and more efficient journey, while the success of this trial run paves the way for future innovations in rail travel services.
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