Bank customers across India need to mark their calendars for October 31st, as financial institutions in one major city will remain closed for business. If you have pending banking transactions scheduled for this date, you might need to reschedule your plans depending on your location.
Which City Experiences Banking Shutdown?
According to the latest notifications from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks in Kolkata, West Bengal will observe a complete holiday on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023. This closure affects all public sector banks, private banks, and cooperative banks operating within the city limits.
Why Are Banks Closing on October 31st?
The holiday has been declared to observe Kali Puja, one of the most significant festivals in West Bengal and Eastern India. The RBI includes regional holidays in its annual banking calendar to accommodate important cultural and religious celebrations across different states.
What Services Will Be Affected?
- All physical bank branches in Kolkata will remain closed
- Cash deposit and withdrawal services at counters will be unavailable
- Cheque clearing operations will be suspended
- Loan processing and other branch-specific services will be halted
Good News for Digital Banking Users
While physical branches close their doors, digital banking services will continue uninterrupted. Customers can still access:
- Internet banking for fund transfers and bill payments
- Mobile banking applications for all digital transactions
- ATM services for cash withdrawals (subject to cash availability)
- UPI payments through various platforms
- Net banking for account management
What About Other Cities?
Banking operations will continue normally in most other Indian cities, including:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Pune
- Ahmedabad
However, customers are advised to check with their local branches for any unexpected closures or reduced working hours.
Planning Your Banking Activities
If you reside in Kolkata or have banking dependencies in the city, consider these alternatives:
- Complete urgent transactions on October 30th or November 1st
- Utilize digital banking platforms for immediate needs
- Withdraw sufficient cash before the holiday if needed
- Schedule bill payments in advance to avoid last-minute hassles
Always verify holiday schedules with your specific bank branch, as some private banks might have different operational policies even in cities where public sector banks are closed.
