The Ministry of Finance has directed all public sector banks and regional rural banks to open on Sunday, 27 September 2026, to ensure citizens can access banking services before a planned three-day nationwide strike. The Reserve Bank of India has approved the decision, allowing bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests across the country to operate normally on that day.
The measure comes in response to a three-day strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) scheduled from 28 to 30 September 2026. Since 28 September falls on a Monday, the strike would follow the regular weekend closure on 26 and 27 September, creating an extended period when most banking services would be unavailable.
Key facts
- All public sector banks and regional rural banks will open on Sunday, 27 September 2026
- Bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests will be fully operational
- The nationwide strike by United Forum of Bank Unions is scheduled for 28 to 30 September 2026
- Announcement made on 23 September 2026 by the Ministry of Finance through Press Information Bureau Delhi
Why banks are opening on Sunday
The decision recognises that a combination of weekend holidays and the planned strike would leave customers without access to banking services for four consecutive days (Saturday 26 September through Tuesday 30 September). By keeping banks open on Sunday, the government aims to prevent significant disruption to routine financial transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, cheque deposits and fund transfers.
The government has stated that protecting the banking needs of the public during this period is a priority. Bank managements and government authorities have also appealed to the unions to defer the strike, while simultaneously taking precautionary measures to minimise customer inconvenience.
What services will be available
The approval covers all banking infrastructure, not just the main branch counters. ATM-linked branches and currency chests will also function, ensuring that customers have access to cash withdrawals and deposits through multiple channels. This broad operational approach is designed to accommodate as many banking needs as possible during the extended closure period.
What this means for you
If you need to carry out banking transactions before the strike, you now have an additional opportunity on Sunday, 27 September. Customers are advised to plan ahead and complete essential transactions such as cash withdrawals, bill payments or cheque deposits on that day if they anticipate needing banking services during the strike period from 28 to 30 September.
Businesses and individuals who depend on regular banking operations should consider their liquidity requirements during the strike and make arrangements accordingly. Those with recurring payments or time-sensitive transactions should prioritise completing them before 27 September.
ATM users will have an advantage, as ATMs will remain operational throughout the strike period at ATM-linked branches, allowing cash withdrawals even when the main bank branch is closed.
Background on the strike
Bank unions in India periodically call strikes to press demands relating to wages, working conditions and service regulations. The United Forum of Bank Unions represents various bank employee unions across the sector. Such strikes can affect services at both public sector and private sector banks, though this announcement specifically mentions public sector banks and regional rural banks.
The decision to keep banks open on Sunday is an administrative response to minimise customer hardship while respecting the workers’ right to strike. It does not change the dates or scope of the planned strike itself.