Country's largest lender, State Bank of India plans to expand its presence across the Maharashtra state. The Mumbai circle chief of the bank, N Raja said that the bank intends to open 125 new branches and reach to a number of 1450 ATMs by the end of March 2009.

Mr Raja also informs that the bank plans to open 10 new branches in and around Pune.

The bank recently launched two business centers at Parihar square in Aundh and Jungli Maharaj road. These centers are going to provide a 24 hour banking services to the customers. SBI also aims to open similar business centers on Tilak Road, NIBM Road, Viman Nagar and Kalyani Nagar.

Commenting on the bank's plan on expansion of ATM network, Mr Raja said, "We propose to open ATMs at petrol pumps, state transports bus depots, railway stations and such places."

SBI also covet to start up with 24-hour passbook printing booths but plans regarding this move are still on hold.

Recently the bank has started a round-the-clock banking service at its main branch in Hazratganj, Lucknow.

Even Punjab National Bank is expanding its network in Pune and has opened its 16th branch in the circle.