Banks pledge to keep ATMs full with cash

NASHIK: The banks have started preparations to ensure that the pilgrims coming to the city during the Kumbh Mela do not run out of cash. Both, the nationalised and private banks, have arranged requisite money to stack their ATMs full.
Sources said the banks have placed a demand of Rs 200 crore to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in view of the Kumbh.The State Bank of India has received Rs 82.70 crore from the RBI, while the other banks are expected to receive the cash in next few days.
Close to one crore pilgrims and sadhus are expected to visit Nashik during Kumbh Mela, which began with the flag hoisting on July 14. The three shahi snan days (royal baths), the auspicious occasions when sadhus and pilgrims take holy dip in the Godavari, are to be held in August and September.
The first shahi snan will take place on August 29, while the second and the third shahi snan will be on September 13 and September 18. Hence, the major rush of pilgrims will be during the period from August 20 to September 20. Considering this, the banks have started preparations to ensure that the pilgrims do not run out of cash.
Sources said there are close to 150 ATMs of nationalised and private banks across the city.
At present, customers withdraw Rs 2 to 3 lakh a day on an average from each ATM. But the demand is expected to increase manifold during the kumbh mela. When contacted, an RBI official refused to comment on the issue.
An official from the SBI said, "We have placed a demand of Rs 120 crore to the RBI to stack our ATMs to ensure that pilgrims coming to city do not run out of cash during the Kumbh Mela. We have received Rs 82.70 crore so far from the RBI and the remaining cash is expected to receive, shortly. We have 70 ATMs across the city."