A former State Bank of India (SBI) ATM kiosk in Patna, Bihar, has been converted into a hair-cutting salon [1, 2].

The repurposing of the small commercial space highlights the informal nature of urban land use in India and the viral potential of novelty businesses. The transformation has turned a defunct banking utility into a local attraction for residents and social media users.

The conversion occurred in the Danapur area of Patna after the bank shut down the machine and removed it from the site [1, 2]. The vacant kiosk was subsequently taken over by a local barber and shopkeeper who installed salon equipment within the narrow confines of the original ATM booth [1, 2].

While the salon provides standard grooming services, its origin as a financial hub has attracted a specific demographic of visitors. The unusual nature of the business has led to an increase in foot traffic from people seeking a unique experience rather than just a haircut.

"Many youngsters even visit just to click pictures and make videos," a local shopkeeper said [2].

The site has since become a point of interest on the internet, where users have reacted to the juxtaposition of a corporate banking environment and a neighborhood barbershop. The shift from a high-security cash dispenser to a social grooming space serves as a visual representation of adaptive reuse in a densely populated urban center [1, 2].

“A former State Bank of India (SBI) ATM kiosk in Patna, Bihar, has been converted into a hair-cutting salon.”

This incident reflects the flexibility of micro-real estate in Indian urban centers, where small, specialized kiosks are often repurposed quickly once a corporate lease ends or a service is discontinued. The viral reaction underscores a growing trend of 'destination' novelty shops that leverage social media visibility to attract customers in competitive local markets.