Indian Banks Reassure Public: ATMs Fully Functional, Digital Payments Uninterrupted

In response to circulating social media rumors about potential ATM shutdowns due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, major Indian banks, including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and others, issued statements on Friday affirming that their ATMs are fully operational, well-stocked with cash, and that digital banking services are running smoothly.

State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, took to social media platform X to address the concerns, stating, “All our ATMs, CDMs/ADWMs, and digital services are fully operational and available for public use.” The bank urged customers to disregard unverified information, emphasizing the reliability of its network, which includes 22,405 branches and 65,627 ATMs across India.

Punjab National Bank echoed this sentiment, posting on X, “All our digital services too are operating seamlessly, ensuring a seamless banking experience from the comfort of your home.” PNB, with over 10,528 branches and 13,506 ATMs, highlighted its commitment to uninterrupted service despite the geopolitical unrest.

Other public sector banks, including Bank of Baroda, Punjab & Sind Bank, Canara Bank, and Bank of India, issued similar clarifications. Canara Bank, in two separate posts on X, firmly denied rumors of ATM closures, stating, “All Canara Bank ATMs are functioning as usual. No shutdowns. No interruptions. Just smooth, secure access to your money—anytime you need it.” These banks collectively operate tens of thousands of ATMs, ensuring widespread access to cash and digital services across urban and rural areas.

The banks’ announcements come amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following recent cross-border incidents, including Pakistan’s shelling in Poonch, which resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Social media reports falsely suggested that banks might limit ATM operations due to the unrest, prompting swift rebuttals from the banking sector.

Finance Ministry’s Cybersecurity Focus

In a related development, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), malware detections in the banking sector have surged, necessitating robust IT governance and advanced cybersecurity measures.

The coordinated response from India’s banking sector aims to restore public confidence and curb misinformation. “Don’t fall for fake news. Your access to cash is safe with us,” Canara Bank emphasized in its statement. Banks have also leveraged digital platforms like SBI’s YONO app and PNB’s PSB UnIC to enhance customer convenience, offering end-to-end services such as credit card issuance, Demat account openings, and internet banking. As the nation navigates regional challenges, India’s public sector banks remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering reliable financial services. Customers are encouraged to rely on official bank communications and avoid unverified social media claims.