Cyclone Fani: RBI asks banks to run branches beyond normal hours in Odisha

Banks told to open branches on all working days in all affected districts till six pm for banking transactions and cash withdrawal; should also work on Sundays, other holidays

As customers wrestle with cash crunch after Fani cyclonic storm crippled telecommunication and internet services, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to extend their service hours in Odisha.

“Banks have been instructed to open branches on all working days in all the affected districts till six pm for banking transactions and withdrawal of cash. Further, banks should also function on Sundays and other holidays as per instructions of the respective district collectors”, said M K Mall, regional director, RBI, Bhubaneswar.

If required, banks can extend it further, he added.

For timely disbursements of cash, the central bank has requested all