The total number of ATMs in the country rose to 1.14 lakh in 2012-13, with the growth primarily driven by private sector banks. Their share in the total increased 38 per cent as of March 2013.

In its trends and progress report, the RBI said although urban and metropolitan centres accounted for over 65 per cent of the total ATMs, there has been a rising trend in those located in the rural and semi-urban centres in the recent years.

India’s largest lender State Bank of India topped in the number of ATMs at 32,777 as on September 30. Among the private sector banks, Axis Bank had the highest number at 11,796.

The overall growth in ATMs was at 19 per cent, the highest being in the rural areas at 34 per cent, as on March 30.

Off-site ATMs (ATMs away from the bank branches) are particularly more cost effective since they operate without the paraphernalia of a bank branch.

“Over the years, the relative growth in off-site ATMs has been much more than that of on-site ATMs. As a result, by 2012-13, off-site ATMs accounted for more than half the total ATMs in the country,” the RBI said.

Further, with the policy initiative to enable non-bank entities set up and operate ATMs — White Label ATMs (WLAs) — the proportion of off-site ATMs is likely to grow further.

So far, 18 entities have approached the Reserve Bank for setting up WLAs, of which 12 have been granted in-principle authorisation. Tata Communications Payment Solutions is among those that have been granted permission.

beena.parmar@thehindu.co.in

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