Srinagar, Oct 3: Residents of the Hyderpora-Narkara belt, including Mushtaq Colony and adjoining residential areas, have urged the J&K Bank authorities to install an ATM in the area, saying the absence of a cash machine is causing inconvenience to a large number of residents.
Residents said the stretch from Hyderpora towards Narkara has developed into a densely populated residential belt over the years, but banking infrastructure has not kept pace with the growth in population. They said there is currently no readily accessible ATM serving the belt, forcing account holders to travel to Hyderpora Crossing and other adjoining areas for cash withdrawals.
The residents said the problem becomes more pronounced after banking hours, on holidays and during emergencies, when access to a nearby ATM becomes particularly important.
“There is no ATM from Hyderpora down to Narkara. For a small withdrawal, we have to leave the colony and go elsewhere. Elderly people and women find it particularly difficult, especially during winter or in an emergency,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Mushtaq Colony.
Residents said the distance may appear limited on paper but becomes a significant inconvenience for elderly persons, people without private transport and those requiring cash outside normal banking hours.
Another resident from the Narkara side, Shabnam Akhter, said the demand had been raised informally for some time but had not yet resulted in the installation of an ATM.
“The population here has increased, but banking facilities have not kept pace. An ATM is a basic service. We request the J&K Bank chairman and the concerned branch authorities to consider our appeal on priority,” she said.
Local traders have also supported the demand, saying cash continues to be required for several small transactions despite the growing use of digital payment platforms.
“Customers still ask for cash, and shopkeepers also need cash withdrawals and change, particularly after banking hours. One ATM between Mushtaq Colony and Narkara would serve a large number of households and businesses,” said local trader Irfan Ahmad.
Residents said the installation of an ATM would also reduce pressure on existing machines in Hyderpora and adjoining localities, particularly during peak hours and at the beginning or end of the month.
They have urged the bank to conduct a survey of the area and identify a secure and accessible location for installing a 24-hour ATM.
The residents said the facility would be particularly useful for senior citizens, women, workers and small traders who currently have to travel outside the residential belt for routine cash withdrawals.
They have appealed to J&K Bank authorities to consider the request in view of the growing population of the area and the need to provide basic banking facilities closer to residential communities.
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