In a major boost to sustainable and inclusive banking, Tripura Gramin Bank has launched India’s first fully solar-powered ATM van in January 2026. Named ‘TGB on Wheels’, this innovative mobile banking solution aims to provide uninterrupted ATM and basic banking services in rural and remote areas, especially where electricity supply is unreliable or absent.
Why in News?
In January 2026, Tripura Gramin Bank became the first Regional Rural Bank (RRB) in India to introduce a fully solar-powered mobile ATM van, strengthening eco-friendly banking and financial inclusion in rural India.
What is ‘TGB on Wheels’?
- ‘TGB on Wheels’ is a mobile ATM van that runs entirely on solar energy, eliminating dependence on conventional electricity or diesel generators.
- The initiative ensures that basic banking services such as cash withdrawal and account-related facilities reach villages and interior regions.
- By operating independently of grid power, the ATM van remains functional even during power cuts, making banking services reliable, accessible, and environmentally sustainable for rural communities.
Background of the Initiative
- The concept of mobile ATM vans was formally introduced in July 2023, when Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance, inaugurated Tripura Gramin Bank’s pioneering ATM van project during her visit to Tripura.
- Building on this foundation, the bank upgraded the initiative by adopting 100% solar power, aligning banking innovation with India’s climate and sustainability goals.
Role of NABARD and Institutional Support
- The project has been launched with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
- NABARD plays a crucial role in promoting rural infrastructure, financial inclusion, and sustainable development.
- Its support helped TGB adopt clean energy solutions while expanding banking outreach.
- This collaboration highlights how development finance institutions can enable green innovation at the grassroots level.
Current Status and Coverage
- As of now, three solar powered ATM vans are operational across different regions of Tripura.
- These vans serve rural and semi-urban areas where permanent banking infrastructure is limited.
- The initiative has significantly reduced operational costs, improved service reliability, and enhanced customer convenience.
- It also supports government efforts to strengthen last-mile banking delivery through Regional Rural Banks.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | Launch of India’s first solar-powered ATM van |
| Introduced by | Tripura Gramin Bank |
| Name of Initiative | TGB on Wheels |
| Energy Source | 100% Solar Power |
| Support Agency | NABARD |
| Current Status | 3 ATM vans operational in Tripura |
Question
Q. ‘TGB on Wheels’, recently in news, is associated with:
A. India’s first electric bank branch
B. India’s first solar-powered ATM van
C. Digital-only rural banking app
D. Floating ATM service
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