Ever wished you could instantly withdraw cash on a train to buy that piping hot cup of tea or crisps at the next station? If you did, then you’re not the only one! Looks like the rail Gods have heard us, as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled India’s train with an ATM aboard. Make way for Panchavati Express AKA cash on wheels! Here’s more.
Indian Railways Introduces ATM On Train For The First Time
A video posted by Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 16 had Indians in a tizzy. He introduced the ATM facility housed in an air-conditioned coach of the Panchavati Express. The video gives a glimpse of the blue-coloured ATM belonging the Bank of Maharashtra. The ATM sits in an AC bogey, allowing passengers to disembark from their seats, head to the booth and withdraw cash. A man behind the camera reveals that there is a specific area for the ATM.
Panchavati Express has officially been crowned as India’s first train to have an ATM, which will soon be operational to the public. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, revealed to Mint that the machine has been installed onboard on an experimental basis. The cash machine rests in a designated cubicle right at the end of the air-conditioned coach. Earlier, that cubicle operated as a temporary pantry. The cubicle with the ATM has a shuttle door to ensure the safety of the machine. And to also make sure it’s easily accessible to passengers.
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A Pilot Project That May Normalise Cash On Wheels
Manmad Railway Workshop carried out the necessary structural modifications to install the machine. While this is a pilot project, if it turns successful, many more ATMs may come aboard many more Indian trains. The Panchavati Express operates between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai and Nashik’s Manmad Junction. The train covers this distance in four hours and 35 minutes. It’s one of the most sought-after trains for inter-city commutes.
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Passengers can expect more banking facilities on trains if this pilot proves to be successful.
Cover Image Courtesy: @RailwayChr67548 and @DDNewslive/ X
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