Our Bureau

Coimbatore , Nov. 24

BANK of Baroda (BoB) Tamil Nadu region, is in the process of extending its business hours and expanding its network.

Taking cue from other players in the banking industry, select branches in the region have started offering 8 to 8 banking facility. "Out of the 75 branches in this region, seven have fallen in line and five more would become operational soon,' Mr N.M. Prabhu, AGM, BoB, Tamil Nadu region, said.

BoB has 12 ATMs in this region. Two more are on the cards.

Seventeen branches offer the Internet and mobile banking service to its customers. The facility would enable the customers to view and download their accounts, make a requisition for a chequebook and have it delivered at the doorstep free-of-cost.

"We will soon open a branch in Theni. We have got the licence," he said and added that the bank is planning to strengthen its base in the South, particularly, Tamil Nadu by increasing its branch network.

The bank recently introduced the branch within a branch concept by devising the `Baroda Money Plex' outfit, to have a more focus approach in serving customers. While this was recently launched at the main branch in Coimbatore, the bank is planning to roll out the model in Perundurai near Erode soon. "We are trying to identify a few more centres in Tamil Nadu," Mr Prabhu said.

The Coimbatore outfit has sanctioned 100 applications in 15 days for amounts totalling Rs 2 crore, he said.

The specialised scheme for traders, he said is being extended up to December in view of the phenomenal response. "We have close to 300 accounts and financial assistance rendered in the last one month has swelled to Rs 16.16 crore. We are targeting Rs 50 crpre," he said.

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