Bank services hit, ATMs dry up as strike enters day 2

Majority of ATMs have dried up in the financial capital of Mumbai and banking operations across the city were hit on the second day of the general strike called by central trade unions for various demands.

"A majority of ATMs have dried up while the (bank) branches are shut. Additionally, there has not been any cheque clearing as personnel from RBI too joined the strike. It will take at least 2-3 working days to clear the backlog for banks", said All India Bank Employees Association Vice President Vishwas Utagi.

The strike witnessed near cent percent participation by employees from banking and insurance sector in the financial hub, leaving their operations completely paralysed. "We reiterate our demands, including the one for not allowing private sector participants into the fray for which we are holding the bandh", Utagi said. Suburban railway, the city's life line, functioned normally and road traffic remained unaffected, though there were fewer passengers using public transport.

Flight operations at the Mumbai airport were also normal despite a section of airport unions declaring their support to the strike, an airport spokesperson said.