An unnamed barber has opened a grooming business inside a closed State Bank of India (SBI) ATM kiosk in Patna [1], [2].
The incident highlights the unconventional reuse of abandoned commercial infrastructure in urban India. As financial institutions shift toward digital banking, physical kiosks may become vacant, leaving gaps in urban zoning and property oversight.
The business is located in the Danapur area of Patna, Bihar [1], [2]. Footage of the operation has circulated widely on social media, showing the interior of the former ATM now equipped with barber chairs and grooming tools [1], [2].
While the video has sparked significant online discussion, the identity of the barber remains unknown. There is currently no available information regarding whether the individual obtained legal permission to occupy the space or if the bank is aware of the unauthorized use of the kiosk [1], [2].
The transformation of the kiosk into a service point reflects a localized approach to entrepreneurship. In densely populated areas like Danapur, small-scale vendors often seek out available niches to establish a physical presence, regardless of the original purpose of the structure [1], [2].
Local authorities have not issued a public statement regarding the zoning legality of the shop. The viral nature of the video has brought national attention to the specific site in Bihar, though the long-term viability of the business remains unclear [1], [2].
“An unnamed barber has opened a grooming business inside a closed State Bank of India (SBI) ATM kiosk.”
This event underscores a trend of informal urban adaptation where defunct corporate assets are repurposed for micro-entrepreneurship. It also points to a potential lack of oversight regarding the maintenance and security of closed banking infrastructure in regional hubs.
