🚆Cash on Wheels: Panchvati Express is India’s first train with ATM | Indian Railways Innovative Initiative
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| India's First ATM In Train |
Introduction: Historic First by Indian Railways
In a big step to bringing Indian Railways into the modern day, Indian Railways has launched an onboard ATM service, the first of its kind in the country.
The Panchvati Express between Mumbai and Manmad has now become India’s first train with an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), also very fittingly called “Cash on Wheels.” This railway initiative, once used in place of the word convenient, can now be also used in the scope of convenience for rail travel.
Now while rail passengers are travelling, they have the power of banking in their spaces, and this addition to rail travel provides the passengers with more value. Lets look at this landmark innovation, its features, benefits, and what it may mean for train travels in India.
.📍 What's the Panchvati Express?
Panchvati Express (Train No. 12109/12110) is a superfast intercity train on the Indian Railway, that travels between Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) to Manmad, running once per day, daily throughout the state of Maharashtra, India.
For several decades now the Panchvati Express has been serving commuters (particularly daily commuters and office-goers) on this busy sector. Now the Panchvati Express has found itself in the spotlight by becoming the first in India to have a fully functional ATM on board when it successfully combined mass transport and FinTech.
- Fire safety provisions.
- Shutters-type access door.
- Proper signage for passengers.
- Ventilation and lighting systems.
- Internet connectivity (through mobile/data SIM routers).
- Backup power including UPS Units from the train's main system.
- Access protocols and the way to surveillance.
- Check balance
- View mini statements
- Change PIN
- Transfer money from one account to another
- Request Cheque books (via net banking)
.🎯 Why Is This a Big Deal?
1. Enhancing Passenger Experience:-
Passengers do not have to worry about cash while traveling. Whether it is some emergency or the sudden cash needs, the ATM will offer a safe option.
2. Digital India in Progress:-
This complements the Indian government's vision for a "Digital India multiple steps in terms of improving easy access to banking products for people in semi-urban and rural zones dependent on the railway as a mode of connectivity.
3. Pilot Program that has Implications beyond one train:-
The ATM set up is a pilot program. If it goes well, Indian Railways intends to implement this across the Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Vande Bharat trains.
🧠 Who Turns out to Gain from This Innovation?
Regular commuters - Making it easier to travel where they may not necessarily have cash with them, as there's no need to plan your cash withdrawal in advance, you can just withdraw cash at your convenience
Seniors - Who don't need to travel to busy stations to access their cash
Tourists - In case the card they have doesn't work or potential unplanned additional expenditure.
Vendors - Small business owners or vendors at their stopping points or in the street can also take advantage.
- Further expansion of digital banking services to more trains.
- Possible new services in addition to trains that include digital lockers, smart kiosks and Wi-Fi banks.
- Increased focus on non-fare revenue sources to ensure financial sustainability.
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