The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the operation of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and Currency Chests on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The decision has been taken to ensure that customers can access essential banking services ahead of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike.Key HighlightsBanks will remain operational on Sunday, September 27, 2026.RBI has approved operations for bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and Currency Chests.Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks will function normally on Sunday.The move comes ahead of the proposed bank strike from September 28 to 30.Customers will get an additional day to complete essential banking transactions.Why Are Banks Open on Sunday, September 27?September 27 is normally a Sunday, but banks will operate on the day because of the proposed nationwide strike by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU).The UFBU has proposed a three-day strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026. The proposed strike follows the weekend, which could otherwise have resulted in a longer disruption to banking services for customers.To reduce inconvenience, the Finance Ministry said that Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks would function normally on September 27. The RBI has separately granted approval for bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and Currency Chests to remain fully operational.Which Banking Services Will Be Available?The RBI approval covers bank branches and offices, along with ATM-linked branches and Currency Chests.This means customers can use branch-based banking services on Sunday, although individual banks may communicate specific branch timings or operational details.Banks have also advised customers to complete important transactions in advance of the proposed strike period and make use of digital and self-service channels where possible.What Is the September 28–30 Bank Strike?The United Forum of Bank Unions has proposed a nationwide strike from September 28 to September 30.One of the major demands reported by the union forum is the introduction of a five-day working week in the banking sector. Other issues raised include pension-related matters, dearness allowance and options concerning the National Pension System.The government and bank managements have appealed to the unions to defer the proposed strike and have taken measures to ensure essential banking services continue without interruption.What Should Bank Customers Do?Customers who need branch-based banking services can use the additional working day on Sunday, September 27.Those planning transactions around the proposed strike period should check communication from their respective banks and complete time-sensitive work in advance. Digital banking, mobile banking, ATMs and other self-service channels may also be useful during periods when branch services are affected.The RBI's approval for Sunday operations is aimed at preventing an extended interruption in banking services and giving customers an opportunity to complete essential transactions before the proposed strike begins.What Happens After September 27?The proposed nationwide bank strike is scheduled for September 28 to 30. Its impact on individual banking services will depend on developments between the unions, banks and government.For customers, September 27 provides an additional opportunity to visit branches and complete essential banking work before the proposed strike period.
