Banking – Patna Salon Inside Former ATM Booth Triggers Public Confusion
Banking – In a surprising development from the Danapur area of Patna, a former ATM kiosk of State Bank of India was transformed into a functioning barbershop while still retaining its original ATM-like appearance from the outside. The unusual setup attracted widespread attention after videos and photographs circulated on social media platforms, leaving many residents both amused and confused.
Former ATM Booth Converted Into Salon
According to local residents, the kiosk earlier housed a cash withdrawal machine operated by the bank. Although the ATM machine had reportedly been removed months ago, the external branding, signage, and structure remained untouched. Later, the property owner leased the space to another tenant, who converted the interior into a salon offering grooming services such as haircuts, shaving, beard trimming, and hair colouring.
From the street, the structure continued to resemble a regular ATM centre, causing people to walk in expecting banking services. Instead, they found salon chairs, mirrors, scissors, combs, and customers receiving grooming treatments inside the compact space.
Residents Faced Daily Confusion
The unusual appearance reportedly led to regular misunderstandings among passersby and customers searching for nearby banking facilities. Several people visiting the kiosk for cash withdrawal were surprised after discovering that the premises had completely changed its purpose.
Locals said some visitors reacted humorously after entering the former ATM booth, while others expressed frustration due to the misleading exterior. However, nearby residents looking for grooming services gradually became familiar with the transformation and started using the salon without hesitation.
The incident soon became a topic of public discussion online, with social media users widely sharing clips and images of the converted ATM kiosk. Many users described the setup as both strange and entertaining, while others questioned why the ATM branding had not been removed earlier.
Property Owner Explains Situation
Property owner S.K. Singh stated that the ATM had stopped functioning before being removed by the bank. He claimed rent payments had allegedly remained pending for several months, leading to the discontinuation of ATM operations at the site.
According to Singh, despite waiting for a replacement machine or fresh communication from bank officials, no further action was taken regarding the vacant kiosk. With the premises lying unused, he eventually decided to lease the location for commercial purposes.
He also indicated that the external ATM structure remained unchanged because it had originally been designed specifically for banking operations. Over time, the inside space was modified into a small salon while the outer appearance stayed largely intact.
Bank Officials Remove ATM Signage
After the matter gained attention online, officials associated with State Bank of India reportedly visited the location to assess the situation. Soon afterward, the ATM-related signage and branding visible outside the kiosk were removed to prevent further public confusion.
The incident has also sparked discussions regarding coordination between financial institutions, property owners, and local authorities. Residents pointed out that retaining ATM identification on a site no longer offering banking services could inconvenience people, especially in busy urban neighbourhoods where access to cash withdrawal points remains important.
Viral Incident Highlights Administrative Gaps
The unusual case from Danapur reflects how delayed communication and incomplete removal of public utility infrastructure can create misleading situations for citizens. While many people viewed the transformed ATM booth as a humorous local incident, others noted that clearer public information could have avoided confusion.
The story continues to attract online attention as people across the country react to the unexpected conversion of a former banking kiosk into a functioning neighbourhood salon.