The State Bank of India (SBI) has opened a branch at remote location in Manipur. The Chairman of State Bank of India, Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, virtually inaugurated the SBI Parbung Branch from the bank’s Local Head Office at Guwahati. Parbung is a village in Pherzawl district of Manipur. Pherzawl is around 250 km from Imphal.
The establishment of the branch is being hailed as a major milestone, marking the first banking facility within Pherzawl district. Residents previously had to travel long distances for routine banking transactions.
Pherzawl is one of the least developed districts in Manipur. Pherzawl is a district in southern Manipur, India, created on December 8, 2016, by carving out areas from Churachandpur district. Located near the Assam and Mizoram borders, it is known for its hilly terrain, the Tipaimukh Dam project, and significant ginger production. The district headquarters is Pherzawl, and it consists of three main sub-divisions: Thanlon, Tipaimukh-Parbung, and Vangai Range. Pherzawl District has approximately 200 villages.
With the branch now operational, customers will have easier access to a comprehensive range of services including savings and current accounts, deposits, and other essential financial products.
This district does not have train or flight connectivity. A bus service running between Imphal and Pherzawl began in 2017. The district has one Community Health Centre (CHC) at Parbung. Nearest airport to Pherzawl is Imphal Tulihal International Airport and next Airport is Dimapur Airport, around 450 km from Pherzawl.
Nearest Railway station to Pherzawl is Dimapur town of Nagaland which is around 450 km from Pherzawl. Another railhead is Jiribam town of Manipur which is 225Km from Imphal, around 500 km from Pherzawl.
With SBI opening its first branch in Pherzawl district of Manipur, it is important to appreciate the efforts of bank employees who will serve there. Working in a remote and developing area is not easy.
Employees may have to travel long distances, face transportation challenges, and adjust to limited facilities. Across India, many public sector bank branches are located in such remote regions to ensure banking services reach every citizen. The staff working in these areas play a key role in financial inclusion and local development. Their dedication and commitment truly deserve respect and recognition.
