Fast cash express: Train ATM brings banking services on track

The country's first ATM aboard a train had a successful trial run Tuesday, inside an AC coach of Panchavati Express, running between Nashik's Manmad and Mumbai, reports Abhilash Botekar. The test went off smoothly, railways officials said, except for the few times when the machine lost signal as the train passed through a known no-network section between Igatpuri and Kasara, which also has tunnels. "The results were good. People will now be able to withdraw cash on a moving train. We'll continue to monitor the performance of the machine," Bhusawal DRM Ity Pandey told TOI. The ATM, a collaboration between railways' Bhusawal division and Bank of Maharashtra, can be easily accessed as all 22 coaches of the train are linked through vestibules. Passenger Sanjay Jha said, "This is a good initiative. People can withdraw money, order cheque books and receive statements. It will be very helpful." Additionally, since the rake of Panchavati Express is shared with 12071 Mumbai-Hingoli Janshatabdi Express, the machine will also be available for long-distance passengers to Hingoli, beyond the Manmad-Nashik route. Both the trains share three rakes. Officials said if the on-board ATM service becomes popular, it may be extended to other major trains as well.