UCO Bank has announced plans to open 150 new branches across India by March 1, 2026. The move aims to strengthen its national footprint, enhance customer access, and support business growth. With this expansion, the bank’s total branch count will rise to 3,472, reinforcing its presence in underserved regions.
In a strategic push to deepen its national presence and improve customer outreach, state-owned UCO Bank will add 150 new branches across India by the end of the current financial year. The announcement was made following the bank’s Q2 FY25 earnings call, where MD & CEO Ashwani Kumar confirmed board approval for the expansion.
This initiative is part of UCO Bank’s broader growth strategy to tap into emerging markets, improve service accessibility, and support financial inclusion—especially in rural and semi-urban regions.
Key Highlights:
Notable Update on Network Growth: UCO Bank currently operates 3,322 branches nationwide. With the addition of 150 new outlets, the total will reach 3,472 by March 2026.
Strategic Focus Areas: The expansion will prioritize underserved regions, aiming to boost rural banking infrastructure and improve last-mile connectivity.
Major Takeaway from Q2 Performance: The bank reported a 3% rise in net profit to ₹620 crore for Q2 FY25, reflecting improved asset quality and operational efficiency.
Customer-Centric Vision: The new branches are expected to enhance customer convenience, reduce service bottlenecks, and support the bank’s digital-plus-physical service model.
Operational Readiness: The rollout will be phased over five months, with staffing, infrastructure, and compliance protocols already in motion.
Broader Industry Context: UCO Bank’s move aligns with a wider trend among public sector banks to expand physical networks even as digital banking gains traction—underscoring the continued relevance of branch banking in India’s diverse financial landscape.
This expansion signals UCO Bank’s commitment to inclusive growth and its ambition to play a larger role in India’s evolving banking ecosystem.
Sources: Outlook Business, Rediff Moneynews, Economic Times BFSI