Indian Railways Begins ATM Machine Trial on Passenger Trains

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a move set to redefine passenger convenience on Indian trains, the Indian Railways has initiated a unique experiment by installing Automated Teller Machines (ATM) onboard select long-distance trains. This new initiative, currently in the pilot phase, has been rolled out on a trial basis on one specific route, according to senior railway officials.

The goal is clear — to increase passenger convenience, enhance digital financial services, and make basic banking accessible while traveling, especially in remote or underserved regions where ATMs or bank branches are not always readily available.

First ATM Installed in Train’s Pantry Compartment

As per the Indian Railways’ official statement, the ATM has been installed at the rear end of the train coach, inside a special cubicle that was earlier used as a temporary pantry. The pantry area has now been repurposed and secured with a rolling shutter door to protect the machine and ensure controlled access during the train’s journey.

Railway sources also confirmed that this new ATM coach is being monitored closely to assess the feasibility of scaling the project further.

“Passenger experience is evolving, and we want Indian Railways to lead that evolution,” said a senior Railway Board official. “This trial will help us understand the operational challenges and passenger response to such services.”

Which Route Is the First to Get ATM Onboard?

The ATM facility has been introduced on a trial basis on a long-distance route connecting metropolitan and semi-urban areas. While Indian Railways has not officially disclosed the exact route in early reports, internal sources indicate it is likely part of a Northern Railway zone corridor, known for high traffic and long journey times.

This strategic route was chosen based on passenger volume, demand for financial access during the journey, and the feasibility of machine security.

Why an ATM in Trains? Understanding the Vision

This bold move aligns with the government’s push for Digital India, aiming to bridge the digital divide and offer banking accessibility across all demographics.

Key Objectives:

• Provide cash withdrawal facilities to passengers on-the-go.

• Assist travelers in emergency financial needs.

• Boost digital banking literacy in rural passengers.

• Enable services even in connectivity black spots or regions with limited ATMs.

How Will It Work? Security, Power, and Internet

The onboard ATM is powered through the train’s auxiliary power supply. It’s equipped with GPS and 4G connectivity to allow real-time banking transactions. Special security features like:

• CCTV monitoring

• Motion sensors

• Biometric access for cash loading

• Time-based lock mechanism

…have also been added to safeguard the machine from theft or unauthorized use.

The installation company, in partnership with a leading public sector bank, will be in charge of maintenance, refilling cash, and troubleshooting network or hardware errors.

Expert Opinion: Is It Feasible Long Term?

Banking and transport industry experts see this as an innovative but challenging initiative.

“The idea is progressive, especially for tier-2 and tier-3 travelers. However, operational cost, machine safety, and connectivity during movement are key challenges,” said Ravi Shankar Mishra, a public policy analyst focusing on transportation tech in India.

He added, “If implemented correctly, this could revolutionize how we think about financial accessibility in motion.”

Passenger Response and Public Sentiment

Reactions from early users and general passengers have been mostly positive, with excitement surrounding the new ATM facility. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram saw users posting photos and videos of the onboard ATM, applauding Indian Railways for bringing modern banking into trains.

One user tweeted:

“This is next-level innovation. Imagine running out of cash mid-journey, and you have an ATM right behind you!”

Some did raise concerns about data privacy, technical issues, and long queues during peak hours. Indian Railways has acknowledged these concerns and assured that continuous monitoring and feedback analysis will be a part of the pilot.

Future Plans: Will More Trains Get ATM Facilities?

If the pilot proves successful, Indian Railways is expected to expand the service to:

• Premium trains like Rajdhani Express, Duronto, Shatabdi

• High-demand long-distance routes

• Select mail and express trains on inter-state routes

There’s also consideration to integrate additional services in the same cubicle, such as:

• Mobile charging stations

• UPI kiosks

• Digital ticket printing

• QR-based donation terminals

The Railway Ministry is said to be in talks with multiple banks and fintech companies to collaborate on this digital expansion.

Impact on Financial Inclusion and Indian Railways’ Modernization

With over 8 billion passengers traveling by train annually in India, even a modest ATM rollout across 10% of long-distance trains can transform financial reach across Bharat. This project holds strong potential to:

• Increase digital transaction penetration

• Reduce reliance on cash carried by travelers

• Promote the use of banking apps and QR-based transactions

• Offer real-time services to the unbanked population

It’s also a major milestone in Indian Railways’ modernization efforts, which includes:

• Smart coaches

• AI-based surveillance

• Wi-Fi enabled stations

• Onboard infotainment systems

The Indian Railways ATM Trial 2025 is more than a novelty—it reflects a vision to bring infrastructure and digital services closer to the people. While there are legitimate challenges like logistics, security, and network stability, the initiative represents a forward-thinking model of convenience, inclusion, and modernization.

As this pilot progresses, all eyes will be on its success metrics—passenger adoption, operational consistency, and cost-effectiveness. If it delivers, India could set a global precedent in combining transport and banking under one roof.