Inaugrating the 12-hour banking facility at the Linking Road branch in Mumbai suburbs, Vaidya said that the bank intends to open branches that cater to specific customer needs. "The services that will offered in these branches will be better if not on a par with the foreign and the new generation private sector banks", Viadya said.

SBI, the largest commercial bank in the country, has been losing market share in both deposits and advances to the new generation private sector as well as foreign banks.

"The retail customer can look forward to efficient services at the personal banking branches which are being openedthroughout the country," Vaidya said. The bank is also is gearing up itself to offer next generation banking services including the internet banking facility to the customers in the next six to eight months, Vaidya said.

The bank is seeking suggestions from 10 to 12 leading consultancy firms on networking of about 2,500 computerised branches by March 2000. This included recommendations on technology upgradation, internet, automated teller machine (ATM) banking facilities across the country. "We will shortlist four to five firms to undertake the new technology-plus programme in the next couple of months," he said.

The technology upgradation programme and introduction of new international standard products and extended personalised banking are part of the bank's strategy to sustain its growth in the years to come. This has the approval of not only the top management but also the unions of both officers and employees.

SBI also intends to increase banking hours in gold banking and quoting of forex rates,SBI officials said. According SBI Mumbai circle's chief general manager AK Purwar, the tally of personal banking boutiques by March 2000 will reach 10, while housing finance cells have already been set up in 10 branches.