Bank of Baroda inaugurates a new Zonal Office in Guwahati to strengthen operations across North Eastern states, enhance financial inclusion, improve administrative efficiency, and expand rural and semi-urban outreach through 197 branches and strategic digital-physical initiatives.
Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has expanded its administrative presence in the North Eastern region with the inauguration of a new Zonal Office in Guwahati. The move is part of the bank’s broader strategy to enhance its physical footprint while simultaneously scaling up its digital banking outreach. By establishing a stronger administrative base in Guwahati, the bank aims to improve service delivery, accelerate decision-making, and deepen its engagement with customers across all North Eastern states.
The new Zonal Office was formally inaugurated by Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda. He was joined by Beena Vaheed, Executive Director of the bank, and Shri Shiba Pada Nayak, Zonal Head for North East States, along with several senior officials and employees. The launch marks a milestone for the bank, which has been steadily expanding its network and introducing new initiatives to drive financial inclusion in remote and underserved regions.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Chand underscored the strategic importance of North East India in the country’s political, cultural, and economic landscape. “North East India holds strategic and cultural significance for the nation. At Bank of Baroda, we are committed to deepening our engagement here, expanding our footprint to enable inclusive growth and meaningful development that benefits every community across the region,” he said. He noted that the bank’s renewed focus on the North East aligns with its nationwide mission to connect rural and semi-urban populations with modern banking services.
Executive Director Beena Vaheed highlighted the operational benefits expected from the newly established Zonal Office. She stated that the dedicated zone would enable faster governance, improved monitoring, and more agile banking processes tailored to the unique needs of different states within the region. “With the inauguration of this new Zone, Bank of Baroda is poised to enhance operational agility and governance in the North East, ensuring that our services are more accessible, efficient, and tailored to the unique needs of this vibrant region,” Vaheed said.
The inauguration ceremony also emphasised the bank’s commitment to social responsibility. As part of the event, Bank of Baroda extended support to children with special needs by donating clothes, food items, and daily essentials to residents of Kalyanai Niwas and Ashneer Home in Guwahati. The gesture reflects the bank’s larger goal of fostering social inclusion and assisting differently-abled individuals and underprivileged communities.
Bank of Baroda currently has 1,486 staff members serving customers across the North East. Its regional presence includes 197 branches, three regional offices, and a widespread rural and semi-urban network, with around 61% of branches located in less-urbanised areas. This distribution, the bank says, demonstrates its commitment to bridging the financial gap in remote regions, where modern banking services often remain out of reach.
The new Zonal Office is expected to streamline internal coordination and improve the bank’s ability to introduce new financial products, strengthen credit flow, and support economic development across key sectors such as agriculture, small businesses, tourism, and local industries. Officials say that by enhancing administrative efficiency, the bank will be better equipped to understand local challenges and respond with customised financial solutions.
Bank of Baroda has also been expanding its digital banking ecosystem in the North East, introducing modern platforms such as digital savings accounts, mobile banking, and AI-driven customer support. These initiatives complement the new physical infrastructure, offering customers the convenience of digital services backed by robust on-ground support.
With the launch of the Guwahati Zonal Office, Bank of Baroda aims to position itself as a key driver of economic growth in the region. The bank believes that strengthening local governance structures will enhance financial inclusion, empower rural communities, and contribute to sustainable development. This strategic step, officials reiterated, is aligned with the bank’s commitment to supporting the government’s vision of holistic national progress.
By reinforcing its presence in the North East, Bank of Baroda aims to play a pivotal role in shaping a more connected, financially secure, and economically vibrant region.
