Tripura Gramin Bank has officially opened the first fully solar-powered ATM van in India. The new solar ATM van is powered entirely by the sun, enabling other banking activities, such as cash withdrawals and balance enquiries, even in remote, electricity-limited locations. The solution is an eco-friendly mobile option that improves financial inclusion in the hinterlands of Tripura, where the bank has more than 150 branches. The bank has also received national awards, including the SKOCH Silver Award, a prestigious recognition of innovation in bank operations and service delivery. This project was launched in July 2023 and represents a broader trend of introducing green technology into the Indian rural finance sector.
First Innovation in India: India opened its first ATM van that operates using solar energy, which is being installed at Tripura Gramin Bank, providing a new milestone in Indian banking innovation.
Sustainable Banking Model: The ATM van is fully solar-powered, making banking services both environmentally friendly and affordable.
Enhance Financial Inclusion: Will be used to reach remote and power-deficient locations by enhancing access to simple banking services.
Uninterrupted Services: This offer includes 24/7 ATM services, including cash withdrawal and balance checking, without relying on grid power.
National Recognition: The programme was awarded the SKOCH Silver Award for excellence in innovation and governance.
Rural Development Focus: Benefits of banking penetration to the rural areas of the state of Tripura, which helps boost the socio-economic achievement of the area.
| Exam | Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL | 2019 | ATM stands for — | Automated Teller Machine |
| SSC CHSL | 2020 | Which machine is used for cash withdrawal without visiting a bank branch? | ATM |
| SSC MTS | 2021 | ATM is an example of which banking service? | Electronic Banking |
| SSC GD | 2022 | Which card is mainly used in ATMs? | Debit Card |
| RRB NTPC | 2016 | What is the full form of ATM? | Automated Teller Machine |
| RRB Group D | 2018 | Which facility allows 24×7 cash withdrawal? | ATM |
| RRB NTPC | 2021 | Which organisation connects ATMs across India? | NPCI |
| IBPS Clerk | 2019 | Which card is issued by banks for ATM transactions? | Debit Card |
| IBPS PO | 2020 | ATM services come under which banking system? | Core Banking |
| SBI PO | 2021 | ATM is an example of which banking facility? | E-Banking |
| RBI Grade B | 2022 | ATM transaction settlement in India is handled by — | NPCI |
| UPSC Prelims | 2018 | Which organisation links all the ATMs in India? | National Payments Corporation of India |
| UPSC Prelims | 2020 | ATM is an example of — | ICT-based Financial Service |
| UPSC CDS | 2021 | A cash withdrawal facility available anytime is called — | ATM |
The first solar-powered ATM in Tripura Gramin Bank will be an important step to sustainable and inclusive banking in India. The initiative ensures that the delivery of uninterrupted services to the remote locations by renewable energy, further financial inclusivity, encourages green innovations, and creates an example to be emulated by other eco-friendly rural banks nationwide.