Non-Functional ATM at Sonamura Checkpost Sparks Anger
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Sonamura/ Agartala
- Mar 05, 2026
- 514
Residents and cross-border travellers in Sonamura are facing severe inconvenience as the ATM installed at the India–Bangladesh border checkpost has remained non-functional for several months. The ATM, operated by Punjab National Bank, was considered a crucial source of cash services for thousands of local customers as well as passengers crossing the international border. With no alternative ATM facility currently operational in the town, the disruption has created a near standstill in cash access, affecting both daily transactions and small-scale border trade.
Located at the Srimantapur checkpost, around three kilometres from Sonamura town, the ATM was originally set up to facilitate immediate cash withdrawals for travellers moving between India and Bangladesh. Over time, however, it also became the primary banking support for a large section of Sonamura’s residents. Despite its importance, the ATM counter has reportedly remained out of service for the past three to four months, triggering growing frustration among customers.
At present, there is no functional ATM of Punjab National Bank within Sonamura town. As a result, customers are being forced to travel nearly nine kilometres to Melaghar to withdraw cash. The situation has proven particularly difficult for elderly pensioners, government employees, and individuals who depend on regular banking access for their daily financial needs.
Local dissatisfaction with banking services in the area has reportedly been building since the merger of several banks, including United Bank of India, with Punjab National Bank a few years ago. What was once regarded as a dependable banking branch for government employees has increasingly been criticised for persistent service issues. Complaints related to passbook updates, transaction delays, and the absence of reliable ATM facilities have become routine among customers.
The ATM at the checkpost was installed with the specific objective of supporting travellers crossing the India–Bangladesh border by providing quick and convenient access to cash. However, its prolonged closure has left not only local residents but also cross-border commuters facing serious difficulties. Traders, small vendors, and daily travellers have been compelled to search for alternative arrangements due to the sudden shortage of accessible cash facilities.
Customers say the problem goes beyond simple cash withdrawal. Many essential banking processes, including ATM PIN generation and password-related services, often require access to the bank’s own ATM. With the machine out of service, customers are forced to depend on distant branches to complete even basic digital banking procedures.
In an era where the government continues to emphasise the expansion of efficient digital and banking infrastructure under the vision of a “Digital India,” the prolonged shutdown of a critical ATM facility in a strategically important border subdivision has raised serious questions about administrative oversight and service management.
Residents and bank customers of Sonamura are now urging the authorities and bank management to restore the ATM service at the checkpost immediately and ensure the installation of a permanent, fully functional ATM facility within the town to prevent further disruption to public banking services.