A barber shop has begun operating inside a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM kiosk in Patna, Bihar [1].
The unusual placement of a commercial service within a financial utility highlights a bizarre use of urban space and raises questions about the security and regulation of bank-operated facilities.
Video footage of the setup circulated on social media this week [1], [2]. The recording shows a barber providing haircuts to customers inside the small enclosure typically reserved for cash withdrawals. The kiosk is located in the Danapur area of Patna [1].
While the video has gained traction online, the specific reasons for the shop's placement inside the ATM remain unclear [1]. The footage demonstrates a fully functional grooming station occupying the space where bank customers usually conduct private transactions.
State Bank of India has not issued a formal statement regarding the legality of the shop or whether the space was leased for such a purpose [1]. The incident has sparked reactions across digital platforms, with users commenting on the ingenuity and the absurdity of the arrangement [2].
Local authorities in Bihar have not yet confirmed if the business is operating with the necessary permits for a commercial establishment in a non-traditional zone [1]. The viral nature of the clip has drawn attention to the Danapur neighborhood, where the ATM is situated [1].
“A barber shop has begun operating inside a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM kiosk in Patna, Bihar.”
This incident reflects a trend of informal commercial activity in densely populated Indian urban centers, where limited real estate leads to unconventional business locations. From a regulatory perspective, it suggests a potential lapse in the oversight of bank-managed infrastructure, as ATM kiosks are designed for secure, short-term financial transactions rather than long-term commercial occupancy.
