Now Get Cash On-the-Go: Railways to Install ATMs in Trains

Indian Railways : In a major move to enhance passenger convenience, Indian Railways is planning to install Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) inside select trains. This groundbreaking initiative will allow travelers to withdraw cash during their journey without needing to wait for station halts. With the growing demand for seamless digital and cash access, this new facility could redefine how passengers experience train travel in India.

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Indian Railways : Why ATMs in Trains? A Look at the Need

Passengers on long-distance trains often struggle with limited access to cash during travel. Whether it’s for emergency purchases, food expenses, or unforeseen situations, the lack of ATMs on moving trains has been a long-standing inconvenience. Here’s why this move matters:

Growing reliance on cash in semi-urban and rural rail routes
Unexpected on-board expenses like food, upgrades, or fines
Need for emergency cash during long journeys
Frequent complaints about cash unavailability from passengers

Indian Railways, in collaboration with public sector banks, is now piloting this ATM-in-train concept to enhance in-transit banking access.

Key Features of the Railway ATM Initiative

The ATMs planned for train coaches will come with specific design and security features. Here are the highlights:

Special compact ATMs designed for mobile use
Positioned in guard vans or utility coaches
Equipped with GPS tracking for location and monitoring
Will work with satellite or mobile internet for real-time transactions
Limited daily withdrawal limits for safety
24×7 CCTV surveillance and security integration

Which Trains Will Get ATMs First?

Initially, the project will be introduced as a pilot on a few long-distance and premium trains. The selection will be based on route popularity, passenger demand, and operational feasibility.

List of Trains Expected to Get ATMs First (Pilot Phase)

Train Name	Route	Class Type	Frequency	Average Journey Duration	Estimated Launch Month	Operating Zone
Rajdhani Express	Delhi to Mumbai	AC	Daily	16 hrs	July 2025	Western Railway
Shatabdi Express	Delhi to Lucknow	AC Chair Car	Daily	6 hrs	August 2025	Northern Railway
Duronto Express	Mumbai to Kolkata	Mixed	Bi-weekly	26 hrs	September 2025	Eastern Railway
Vande Bharat Express	Delhi to Varanasi	Semi-High Speed	6 Days/Week	8 hrs	July 2025	Northern Railway
Kerala Express	Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram	Mixed	Daily	49 hrs	October 2025	Southern Railway
Howrah Mail	Mumbai to Howrah	Sleeper + AC	Daily	32 hrs	September 2025	Central Railway
Humsafar Express	Gorakhpur to Delhi	AC	Tri-weekly	12 hrs	October 2025	North Eastern Railway

How Will the ATM System Work?

The onboard ATMs will be connected through a secure banking network using mobile data or satellite internet. Passengers can use their debit cards to withdraw money with standard authentication methods such as:

Card + PIN system
OTP verification (in case of mobile link-up)
Withdrawal limits capped at ₹10,000 per day per card
Multilingual interface for regional accessibility

These ATMs will work similarly to mini mobile branches and will include a support contact number in case of failed transactions.

See more : RBI Announces New ₹10 and ₹500 Note

Benefits for Passengers Across India

The introduction of ATMs in trains is expected to create a significant impact, especially on long-distance and cross-region routes. Here are the core advantages:

Cash access without needing station stops
Better financial inclusion for Tier 2 and Tier 3 passengers
Emergency money withdrawals during night hours
No need to rely on TTEs or vendors for change
Enhances trust and safety during long journeys

Passenger Reactions and Real-Life Examples

Take the case of Meena Sharma from Kanpur, who frequently travels to Chennai to visit her son. She shares, “I usually carry a large sum of cash for safety, but I’m always scared of theft. If an ATM is available on the train, I can withdraw smaller amounts as needed without carrying bulk cash.”

Similarly, Rakesh Yadav, a small businessman traveling from Delhi to Mumbai, says, “Sometimes during festivals, vendors demand cash. With an ATM inside the train, I won’t have to stress over arranging money at crowded platforms.”

Such examples highlight the real-world convenience this initiative brings.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite its promise, the ATM-in-train project comes with challenges:

Connectivity issues in remote areas
Risk of vandalism or theft
Limited withdrawal capacity due to ATM size
Initial installation and maintenance costs
Staff training and coordination with banking officials

Indian Railways has stated that these concerns will be addressed in the pilot phase before mass rollout.

What’s Next: Rollout Plans and Future Expansion

If the pilot program is successful, Indian Railways aims to extend ATM installations to:

All Rajdhani, Duronto, and Vande Bharat routes
High-demand inter-state express trains
Trains serving pilgrimage routes like Varanasi, Tirupati, and Vaishno Devi

A dedicated team will analyze transaction data and passenger feedback to identify areas for improvement.

Upcoming Expansion Targets (2025–2026)

Phase	Target Routes	Number of Trains	Expected Timeline
Phase 1	Premium and Pilot Trains	7 Trains	July – Oct 2025
Phase 2	Top 25 Long-Distance Trains	25 Trains	Jan – Mar 2026
Phase 3	Pan-India High-Demand Routes	75+ Trains	Apr – Dec 2026

The move to install ATMs in trains could be a game-changer for Indian Railways and its millions of daily passengers. It promises better financial access, greater safety, and more convenience — especially on long journeys and remote routes. While the initiative will take time to scale, its success could revolutionize onboard services in Indian trains.

The above details are based on official announcements and pilot project plans. Dates and routes may change depending on feasibility, technical trials, and passenger response. Travelers are advised to check with Indian Railways and their train operator before expecting ATM availability on specific routes.