New Delhi14 minutes ago
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Due to the increasing popularity of digital payments, the use of ATM is decreasing. This has had a direct impact on the number of automated teller machines installed across the country. According to the ‘Trend and Progress of Banking in India’ report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the total number of ATMs in the country has reduced to 2,360 units in the financial year 2025.
By March 31, 2025, the total number of ATMs in the country was 2,51,057, whereas last year (FY 2024) this figure was 2,53,417. RBI said that customers are using digital channels more for everyday transactions instead of withdrawing cash, which has reduced the need for ATMs.
Private banks closed the maximum number of ATMs
Private sector banks were at the forefront in closing ATMs. The number of their ATMs decreased from 79,884 to 77,117, which is the sharpest decline. The network of public sector banks is still the largest, but their number has also reduced. It decreased from 1,34,694 to 1,33,544.
RBI said that both public and private banks have closed their off-site ATMs (which are located away from the bank branch) located in cities. While the number of bank-owned ATMs has declined, the number of independent white-label ATMs has increased. It has increased from 34,602 to 36,216.
Public sector banks ahead in opening branches
Despite fewer ATMs, the total number of bank branches has increased. By March 31, 2025, the total number of branches in the country will reach 1.64 lakh, which is 2.8% more than last year.
Public sector banks remained at the forefront of this expansion. The share of public sector banks in opening new branches increased, while the share of private banks decreased from 67.3% last year to 51.8%.
Public sector banks opened more than two-thirds of their branches in rural and semi-urban areas. In contrast, private banks opened only 37.5% of their branches in rural and semi-urban areas. They are still focusing more on metros and urban centres.
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