OREANDA-NEWS. November 21, 2012. HDFC Bank announced the launch of its branch in Kargil, its first in the district and also the first of a new generation private sector bank here. This full- service rural branch will offer the district's 1.25 lakh residents and the large contingent of defence personnel access to modern banking, products and services.

The branch, which is the 45th in the state, was inaugurated by Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon, Minster for Food & Supplies/Transport, Government of J&K. Mr. Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, Chief Executive Counselor, Kargil, who is the administrative head of the district was also present on the occasion.

“It's with great pride that I say that with this branch launch we would be able to make a difference to the lives of these wonderful people who are largely cut off from the rest of the world for major part of the year, when temperatures are known to fall to as low as 48 degrees below zero. This initiative is part of the bank's commitment to bring 10 million families (40 million individuals) into the banking fold," said Navin Puri, Country Head, Branch Banking, HDFC Bank speaking from Mumbai.

The Bank in the last year has opened branches in some of the most remote and difficult terrains of the country such as Leh and Katra in Jammu & Kashmir, Port Blair in the Andaman & Nicobar, Mangaliya Sadak in Madhya Pradesh, and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, among others.

"The launch of a full-service branch reiterates our commitment to this important state. This will not only make modern banking available to people here, but will also act as a catalyst in the area's development, as well as help create employment opportunities here. We now dedicate this branch to the nation." said Ravi Narayanan, Senior Executive Vice-President & Branch Banking Head, HDFC Bank.