Revamped infrastructure brings essential banking services closer to rural doorsteps
India’s postal network has taken a significant leap forward in making banking more accessible to the common man. In a major move to strengthen financial infrastructure, the Department of Posts has announced the activation of 887 ATMs across the country. This initiative is designed to empower citizens by bringing essential banking facilities directly to their neighborhoods, particularly in underserved regions.
These newly activated ATMs are installed at various post offices, ensuring that people in rural and semi-urban areas—including vast networks within states like Odisha—have convenient access to their funds. According to the Ministry of Communications, this revamp aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of financial inclusion through digital transformation. The primary goal is to bridge the gap between urban and rural banking services, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in India's economic growth story.
Customers can now use these ATMs for a variety of basic transactions. Beyond simple cash withdrawals, the machines allow users to check their account balances and perform other essential banking activities without needing to travel long distances to major bank branches. The Department has encouraged all citizens to make full use of these facilities, which are now operational and ready to serve the public.
Milestone in Digital Commerce
alongside the ATM rollout, the Department of Posts has achieved another historic milestone in the logistics sector. It successfully booked and delivered its first online order through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The inaugural order was placed on January 13 by UdyamWell, an initiative supporting ‘Bharatpreneurs’ such as farmers, artisans, and rural entrepreneurs.
Acting as a Logistics Service Provider, the Department delivered the consignment swiftly by January 15, 2026. This success marks a pivotal moment in integrating India's massive postal network with modern digital commerce. Sellers using ONDC-enabled apps can now choose the Department of Posts for reliable pickup and delivery, leveraging a network that reaches even the most remote corners of the country.
With Agency Input
