RBI Reports Fewer ATMs in FY25 as Bank Branches Expand

Overview

• India’s ATM count declined to 2,51,057 from 2,53,417, led by private banks shutting offsite machines as customers moved to digital payments.
• White-label ATMs operated by non-bank entities rose to 36,216, extending cash access despite the overall ATM drop.
• The branch network grew to 1.64 lakh, a 2.8% increase year-on-year, with public sector banks driving most of the expansion.
• Branch additions were concentrated in tier-I cities overall, yet more than two-thirds of PSB openings were in rural and semi-urban centres compared with 37.5% for private banks.
• Deposit-insurance coverage by value slipped to 41.5% even as 97.6% of accounts were covered, prompting discussion on raising the Rs 5 lakh limit.