ATM on Wheels | 18 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

Indian Railways installed an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) onboard the Manmad-CST Panchvati Express as part of a pilot initiative in Maharashtra. 

 Key Points 

  • About the Initiative: 
    • The initiative aligns with the Railway Board's push to boost non-fare revenue through innovative, out-of-the-box solutions. 
    • It aims to provide banking access to passengers, especially in regions with limited financial infrastructure. 
    • This setup could particularly benefit commuters on long-distance routes with fewer banking facilities en route. 
  • Indian Railways’ Modernisation Drive: 
    • The ATM initiative is a part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, focusing on passenger convenience and tech-led upgrades. 
    • Indian Railways is already transforming travel with high-tech trains like Vande Bharat, modern stations, and advanced safety systems. 
  • Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: 
    • Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Indian Railways has selected 1,337 stations for redevelopment, aiming to enhance infrastructure and passenger experience. 
    • The Scheme was launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways. 

 Indian Railways 

  • 169 Years of Heritage: 
    • The Indian Railways was established on 16th April 1853. The inaugural passenger train covered a 34-kilometer route between Mumbai's Bori Bandar and Thane. 
  • Unique Mascot: 
    • The Indian Railways boasts its own mascot, a 'Shubhankar named 'Bholu,' created by the National Institute of Design in 2002. Bholu is an elephant dressed as a railway guard, introduced on the railways' 150th anniversary. 
  • World's 4th Largest Rail Network: 
    • The Indian Railways ranks as the world's fourth-largest railway network, encompassing a track length of 67,368 km. Only the US, China, and Russia have larger networks. It's also the world's second-largest network managed under a single administration, spanning 115,000 km. 
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 
    • The Indian Railways takes pride in owning four UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites. 
      • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka Shimla Railway.