TheMangalore-based Corporation Bank in an attempt to provide `extra-convenience' to their customers proposes to introduce `Lobby Banking' starting next month. So are others like Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), which proposes to launch `Touch Screen kiosks' in 50 branches.

Corporation Bank's managing director and chairman K Cherian Varghese said: "This concept is for people in the metros who are techno-savvy. It will be introduced in at least 100 branches which will be predominantly in this area."

`Lobby Banking' is a concept that has been introduced by the bank mainly for customers who are hard pressed for time. Under this programme, Corporation Bank would install `touch screen' type personal computers to be operated by the bank customers. Further explaining the concept of `lobby banking' Mr Varghese said: "We thought of providing necessary facilities to customers because time was a major constraint for them. The customer would not have to stand in the queue, but instead go to the kiosk.

This kiosk will help customers in balance enquiry, funds transfer and cash withdrawal." Customers can now encash cheques and the amount to be withdrawn can be keyed in, which in-turn will go to the cashier. By the time the customer goes to the cashier, it is already processed and ready to be debited to their account.

BoM's general manager for credit and international banking RM Nayak says: "This concept is somewhat similar to that of ATMs, but submissions will be more at the kiosk. These kiosks will be outside the branches. Today banking is taken to the customers doorstep. It is common view for the banks to reach out to the customers, unlike earlier days. The whole purpose is to increase customer convenience and let them feel pampered."

Private sector banks like HDFC Bank too have a `Welcome Desk' in the lobby of their branches - the only difference being that the customers are catered to by an officer on duty.

So, be it `Lobby Banking', `Touch Screen Kiosk' or `Welcome Desk', customers never had it so good before.