Patna's 'ATM' in Danapur was secretly a barbershop inside
Synopsis
A decommissioned SBI ATM kiosk in Danapur, Patna quietly became a fully operational barbershop — but kept all its ATM signage intact. The result: daily confusion, viral photos, and an embarrassed bank that rushed to remove its branding only after the story spread online.
Key Takeaways
A former State Bank of India ATM kiosk in Danapur, Patna was converted into a functioning barbershop while retaining its original ATM exterior and signage.
Singh leased the space after SBI removed the non-functional machine following approximately six months of unpaid rent.
The misleading exterior caused daily confusion , with residents arriving to withdraw cash only to find a barbershop inside.
Photos and videos went viral on social media , prompting SBI officials to visit the site and remove the ATM signage.
The incident has raised concerns about the lack of a formal decommissioning protocol for defunct ATM kiosks across India.
A former State Bank of India (SBI) ATM kiosk in Danapur, Patna made headlines after it was discovered to be operating as a fully functional barbershop — all while retaining its original ATM signage and exterior branding. The unusual setup caused daily confusion among residents who arrived expecting to withdraw cash, only to find customers seated inside getting haircuts and shaves.
How the Transformation Happened
According to landlord S.K. Singh, the State Bank of India had removed the ATM machine after rent went unpaid for approximately six months, and the machine itself had become non-functional. Despite the removal of the cash dispenser, the bank's external branding — including its ATM signage and kiosk structure — was left entirely intact.
With no response from bank authorities and no new ATM installation in sight, Singh decided to lease the premises commercially. The new tenant transformed the space into a barbershop offering services including haircuts, shaving, and hair colouring. From the outside, however, the site continued to look exactly like an operational ATM kiosk.
Daily Confusion and Viral Attention
The mismatch between the exterior and interior quickly became a source of bewilderment for locals. Residents arriving to withdraw cash were instead greeted by barbers, chairs, mirrors, combs, and scissors. Reactions reportedly ranged from amusement to frustration.
Ironically, locals in need of grooming services reportedly began visiting the former ATM kiosk without hesitation once word spread. Photos and videos of the site went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and triggering public discussion about administrative oversight.
SBI's Response
Following the viral spread of images and videos, officials from the State Bank of India visited the Danapur site and promptly removed the ATM signage, bringing an end to the public confusion. No further statement from the bank has been reported as of now.
Broader Concerns Raised
The incident has spotlighted a gap in coordination between property owners, banks, and local authorities. Retaining ATM branding on a premises that has undergone a complete change in use is widely seen as misleading, particularly in a busy locality like Danapur. Critics argue that banks should be required to remove all external signage promptly once a branch or kiosk is decommissioned, to prevent public inconvenience.
This is not an isolated concern — defunct ATM kiosks with residual branding have been flagged in other Indian cities as well, pointing to a systemic gap in decommissioning protocols. Going forward, the episode may prompt banks and local bodies to establish clearer timelines for signage removal when financial infrastructure is wound down.
Point of View
Having ghost ATM signage on a barbershop is a minor but telling symbol of how poorly the last mile of banking infrastructure is managed. Local bodies need the authority — and the mandate — to flag and act on such misrepresentations without waiting for something to go viral.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the SBI ATM in Danapur, Patna?
A former State Bank of India ATM kiosk in Danapur, Patna was converted into a functioning barbershop after the cash machine was removed, but the ATM's external signage and branding were left unchanged. This caused daily confusion, with people arriving to withdraw cash only to find a barbershop operating inside.
Why was the SBI ATM in Danapur shut down?
According to landlord S.K. Singh, the SBI removed the ATM machine after rent remained unpaid for approximately six months and the machine had become non-functional. No replacement ATM was installed, prompting the landlord to lease the space to a new tenant.
How did SBI respond to the viral barbershop ATM story?
After photos and videos of the site went viral on social media, SBI officials visited the Danapur location and promptly removed the ATM signage, ending the public confusion.
Who is responsible for removing ATM signage after a kiosk is closed?
In this case, the State Bank of India was responsible for its own branding and signage. Critics argue that banks should be required to remove all external signage immediately upon decommissioning a kiosk, and that local authorities should have oversight powers to enforce this.
Is this kind of incident common in India?
While this particular case went viral, defunct ATM kiosks with residual branding have been reported in other Indian cities as well, suggesting a broader systemic gap in decommissioning protocols for financial infrastructure.
