With the government estimating a turnout of nearly three crore pilgrims in Vijayawada for the Krishna pushkarams, many people may make a beeline for the ATMs here.
The bankers are guessing that the number of hits is likely to cross 60,000 per day in the city during the festival.
In simple words, more than 40 persons will be withdrawing cash every minute from the ATMs in the city and its suburbs.
On an average, Rs.10,000 is withdrawn from each ATM. But the demand is expected to increase manifold during the pushkarams. There are about 300 ATMs of all public and private sector banks in the city. On an average, 30,000 hits are recorded per day. The bankers guess that the hits will double and triple if the government’s estimates come true.
The banks have started preparations to ensure that the pilgrims coming to the city do not run out of cash.
“Andhra Bank is planning to park a mobile ATM and recycler machine at the prime location to reach out to the pilgrims,” say bank’s sources.
Banks such as SBI are strengthening cash replenishment operations.
Over 40 people are expected to withdraw cash every minute from the kiosks in the city and suburbs
