By Kavita Mistry 
Indian Railways has rolled out India’s first-ever onboard Automated Teller Machine (ATM) as part of a trial run on the Manmad-CST Panchvati Express in Maharashtra. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the initiative on social media, showcasing this move as a major leap toward passenger convenience and innovation in the transport sector.
“ATM on Wheels” Trial Explained
The initiative, dubbed “ATM on Wheels,” repurposes the mini pantry area of the train into a secure ATM enclosure. The compartment was reinforced with rubber pads and bolts to prevent damage from train vibrations. Additionally, fire safety measures, including two extinguishers, were installed to ensure secure operation during the train’s journey.
In a first, ATM facility in train. pic.twitter.com/onTHy8lxkd
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) April 16, 2025
Aim: Banking Access + Non-Fare Revenue
Railway officials say the concept is part of a broader directive from the Railway Board to explore out-of-the-box methods for enhancing non-fare revenue. The ATM aims to serve passengers in areas with limited access to financial services, making basic banking more accessible during train travel—especially on long-distance routes.
Vendor Collaboration & Future Plans
A vendor meeting was held on March 25 to explore scaling the concept across other trains. If this pilot run is successful, similar mobile ATMs could be deployed on additional routes. This initiative could also spark interest among banks and tech providers looking to partner in this innovative venture.
Part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision
The ATM-on-train project aligns with Indian Railways’ larger modernization goals under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” mission. The vision includes upgraded trains like Vande Bharat, smart stations, enhanced passenger services, and technology-driven experiences to redefine rail travel in India.
Station Upgrades Underway
Complementing this innovation, Indian Railways has already identified 1,337 stations for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, pushing forward its commitment to a world-class, tech-enabled railway network.
Conclusion
With this unique banking-on-the-go model, Indian Railways is not only enhancing passenger amenities but also setting new benchmarks in transport innovation. The success of the trial could usher in a new era of mobile financial infrastructure in India’s rail ecosystem.