UBI branch opened at Nathu La

Gangtok, Apr 6(UNI) The Union Bank of India today opened the country's and probably the world's highest ATM at Kupup area near the mountainous Nathu la Pass at an altitude of 14,300 ft.

UBI Chairman and Managing Director M V Nair inaugurated the ATM and withdrew a sum of Rs 1000 using his card to officially launch the ATM counter at the famous tourism site.

The ATM at Kupup was not limited to Union Bank of India's card holders only. The bank has tied up with other banks allowing their members to withdraw cash from the ATM. Its the 777th ATM of the bank in the country.

Apart from the surreal surroundings of snow capped mountains, the legendary Baba Harbhajan Singh temple is a huge draw for the tourists alike at Kupup area manned by the Nathula battalion of the Indian Army.

The armed forces were one of the two main sectors that the bank is targeting with its ATM.

''With this ATM, we want to provide opportunities for the army to transact their financial business,'' Mr Nair said.

''It's a very good development. Access to withdrawal of money for the armymen is right here,'' he said.

''This ATM is the new USP of this area,'' he said.

Kupup area which boasts of Baba Harbajan Singh temple also has a gift item shop and a well provisioned cafeteria which are both maintained by Army Wives Welfare Association.

UNI