In the branches of this region, the bank plans to introduce phone banking, an advisory service in mutual funds and a dedicated person for lending in shares. HDFC bank claims that these services would be offered to the customers in the next two months. It also plans to offer car loans and loans on consumer durables (personal loans) before the next fiscal.

Added Puri, "HDFC Bank's branches in this region are focusing on fund management and the retail segment." HDFC Bank Ltd posted a total income of Rs 309.3 crore for the half year, ended September 30, 1999. This is a 56 per cent increase from Rs 197.4 crore of income in the same period last year. During the same period, HDFC bank reported a net profit of Rs 53.3 crore over Rs 42.2 crore in the first half of the previous year. HDFC bank is also planning to convert its ATM card into a debit card, with a daily withdrawal limit of Rs 10,000. The debit card would have the facility of being used abroad. The bank has centralised corporate lending from Mumbai.