If you have urgent financial tasks lined up today, there is a major relief measure in motion. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are fully operational today, Sunday, September 27, 2026, following a special directive from the Finance Ministry and approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
This unusual Sunday opening has been orchestrated to counter the impact of an upcoming three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), scheduled from September 28 to September 30, 2026. Because the strike follows the regular weekend closures on September 26 and 27, keeping branches shut through the weekend would have resulted in an extensive disruption to customer services.
Which Banks Are Open Today?
The special operations apply specifically to public-sector and regional rural networks. Major public sector banks functioning today include:
- State Bank of India
- Canara Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of India
- Indian Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Bank of Maharashtra
- UCO Bank
- Central Bank of India
- Indian Overseas Bank
- Punjab & Sind Bank
Additionally, 28 Regional Rural Banks—such as Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank, Bihar Gramin Bank, Karnataka Grameena Bank, and Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank—are open to serving local customers.
However, private sector banks (including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank) are not bound by this directive. Customers utilising private banks should verify individual branch timings before heading out.
Available Services and Why the Strike is Happening
With RBI approval, bank branches, offices, currency chests, and ATM-linked networks are fully functional today to process regular branch-related work. Digital channels like net banking, UPI, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS remain active as well.
The UFBU-led strike stems from long-pending demands, prominently featuring the push for a five-day banking week (making all Saturdays holidays), along with pension updates and unified dearness allowance formulas. With the strike overlapping the critical half-yearly closing period on September 30, today remains a vital opportunity to complete your pending financial transactions.
