Date:16/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/16/stories/2005051606960500.htm

Kerala

ATM revolution in Thiruvalla

Staff Reporter

PATHANAMTHITTA: With the hi-tech trend taking over the banking sector, the Central Travancore town of Thiruvalla has become the smallest municipality with the largest number of Automated Teller Machines (ATM). There are 21 ATMs in the 2 sq km town limits of the NRI pocket. Work on establishing three more ATMs is progressing fast, according to the Thiruvalla Bankers' Club secretary, P.V. Ashok.

No doubt, ATMs have become more or less part of modern man's life in the highly literate Central Travancore belt. Mr. Ashok said a recent survey had found Thiruvalla as the municipality with the largest per capita deposit in the whole country. A sizable number of the local populace are technology-savvy and their experience with hitech banking abroad has played a major role in the ATM revolution.

A random study shows that ATMs are more frequently used by women there. `Anywhere and anytime banking' facility offered by the ATMs is its major attraction. .

Two foreign banks are exploring the possibility of opening branches here, says Mr. Ashok.