OREANDA-NEWS. September 09, 2011. HDFC Bank, the second largest private bank in the country, has now gone beyond the shores of mainland India and made its debut in Andaman Nicobar archipelago with its first branch in Port Blair, reported the press-centre of HDFC Bank. 

The branch will not only cater to the 4-lakh strong local population and the residents of the 37 inhabited islands, it is also set to benefit tourists thronging the tropical islands from other parts of the country as well as abroad with world-class services and products. The branch was inaugurated by Chief Staff Officer of the Andaman & Nicobar Command, Commodore Sandeep Pradhan, the Head of Logistics, Administration & Personnel. Port Blair, the capital of the archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, is the gateway to some of the most beautiful virgin beaches and underwater marine life in the world, thus attracting a steady tourist flow round the year.

The islands are also crucial to the defence forces and it is from here that the Indian Navy keeps an eye on the choppy waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. HDFC Bank will strive to provide best in class services to these sectors and give a boost to the local economy. The debut of the branch saw an overwhelming response from the local population.

Speaking from Mumbai, Navin Puri, Country Head, Branch Banking, HDFC Bank, said: “As a leading bank of the country, we will continue to conquer new frontiers and take banking to every nook and corner of the country. Opening a branch in Port Blair is the first step towards what we believe will be a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”