Maharashtra's First Grain ATM To Launch At Nashik Road

Maharashtra will launch its first 'Grain ATM' at Nashik Road, an automated foodgrain distribution system set to operate soon at the old government grain warehouse. The machine, called 'Annapurti ATM', will dispense wheat and rice according to beneficiaries' government-approved quotas within five minutes of entering their Aadhaar or Ration Card number.

The facility will operate round-the-clock and run on both conventional electricity and solar power, ensuring uninterrupted service during outages. It will use biometric fingerprint verification and automated weighing to prevent discrepancies and malpractice. The machine has a storage capacity of 30 quintals—15 each of wheat and rice—with ration shop dealers responsible for refilling.

Nashik, Thane and Nagpur have been selected for the pilot project to address long queues, distribution delays and weight-related complaints at traditional ration shops. If successful, the system will be expanded across Maharashtra.