Bengaluru, 16 January 2026 – Punjab National Bank (PNB), a cornerstone of India’s public sector banking, has announced a strategic expansion of its digital and startup banking footprint in Bengaluru. During a high-level visit to the city, PNB’s MD & CEO, Shri Ashok Chandra, outlined a roadmap designed to integrate the bank more deeply into Karnataka’s thriving technology and innovation ecosystems. Central to this plan is the establishment of specialized Digital Branches within Bengaluru’s major tech parks, specifically crafted to serve the high-paced requirements of corporate professionals and digitally native customers.
In a move to bolster India’s “Silicon Valley,” Shri Chandra announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated Startup Branch in Electronic City. This hub will provide new-age enterprises with tailored credit support, advisory services, and customized financial products. This initiative reflects PNB’s broader evolution toward a tech-driven service model that prioritizes operational efficiency and modern customer experiences. To support this growth, the bank is doubling down on employee upskilling and modernizing its physical presence. Older branches across Karnataka—a key growth market where PNB currently operates 155 branches—will undergo renovations to enhance the banking ambience.
PNB is also setting new benchmarks in customer accountability and digital credit. The bank has introduced a QR code-based real-time feedback system, directly linking customer satisfaction to employee performance evaluations. Furthermore, the bank has streamlined its MSME Digital Loans and is actively promoting government-backed schemes like PM SVAnidhi, PM Vishwakarma, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to ensure equitable credit access. For the premium segment, PNB recently launched the ‘Luxura’ Metal Credit Card, represented by Indian Women’s Cricket Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, offering exclusive privileges to High Net-worth Individuals.
The bank’s commitment to inclusivity remains a primary pillar, with women making up nearly 30% of its workforce. New initiatives include a 10-lakh cancer insurance cover for female savings account holders and enhanced priority lending for Self-Help Groups. The expansion strategy was further reinforced during a Town Hall meeting in Bengaluru, where Shri Chandra engaged with over 350 employees to discuss strengthening the CASA portfolio and accelerating growth in the retail and MSME sectors. Accompanied by Zonal Manager Ms. Vandana Pandey and Circle Head Shri Ratish Kumar Singh, Shri Chandra reaffirmed that PNB’s strategic push in Karnataka will ensure the bank remains a future-ready partner in India’s innovation-led economic journey.
