Mangalore-based Karnataka Bank declares to start 15 new branches in the southern region of the country by the end of the ongoing fiscal.

The bank Chairman, Ananthakrishna said that, "We have got Reserve Bank of India's permission to open 30 new branches. However, during this current fiscal, we have planned to open 15 branches in important towns in South India."

"Another 15 branches will be opened during the next fiscal," he added.

The Chairman further informed that the bank also plans to open 30 new ATM counters during the current fiscal. This was informed by Ananthakrishna in an inauguration of a renovated branch at Thambu Chetty Street, Chennai.

Presently the bank has around 435 branches spread across 19 states and 2 union territories.

Moreover it is also planning to open a branch in a gulf country. "As a part of our expansion plans, we have also decided to open a representative office in Gulf region in the future," said the Chairman.

He also said that the bank is soon going to launch online booking of airline ticket through internet banking and online trading facilities to enable customers an ease in services.

Karnataka Bank was established in February 1924 and it is one of the leading ‘A' Class Scheduled Commercial Bank in India. The bank has been striving to keep pace with advances in the banking space by adopting latest technologies.