Assam CM Opens India's First AI-Powered Bank Branch in Guwahati

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated India's first AI-powered "phygital" banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank in Guwahati. The branch combines physical and digital services through AI-enabled kiosks, paperless transactions, and streamlined digital onboarding. CM Sarma highlighted that customers can access credit directly via UPI without separate applications, benefiting small store owners and women entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to enhance financial inclusion and position Assam as a hub for technology-driven investment.

Key Points: India's First AI-Powered Bank Branch Inaugurated in Guwahati

  • First AI-powered "phygital" bank branch in India
  • AI-enabled self-service kiosks and paperless transactions
  • UPI-based credit access without separate application
  • Focus on financial inclusion for underserved communities
3 min read

Assam CM inaugurates India's first AI-powered bank branch of Slice Small Finance Bank in Guwahati

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates Slice Small Finance Bank's AI-powered branch in Guwahati, blending physical and digital banking services.

"The opening of the bank with its unique services represents the right kind of investment that the State government has been working for quite sometimes. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, May 16

Taking a major leap in the digital and AI ecosystem, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday inaugurated India's first AI-powered "phygital" banking branch of Slice Small Finance Bank at GS Road in Guwahati.

According to the release, it may be noted that this next-generation banking space blends physical and digital services seamlessly through AI-enabled self-service kiosks, paperless cash deposits and withdrawals, and streamlined digital onboarding.

The branch is designed to make banking more accessible and inclusive for customers across segments, combining physical trust with digital convenience.

Through an expanding physical presence and robust digital infrastructure, the bank will reportedly extend access to responsible credit, savings, and payment solutions to individuals and small businesses, particularly those who have historically had limited access to modern banking services, the release stated.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Sarma said that this new digital and AI-enabled branch represents another step toward building a more inclusive financial ecosystem across urban and underserved communities alike.

"The opening of the bank with its unique services represents the right kind of investment that the State government has been working for quite sometimes. The partnership that the government has with the Slice Small Finance Bank is the right kind of collaboration that Assam needs and deserves," the CM said.

CM Sarma, moreover, said that the inauguration of India's first digital and AI-powered branch in Guwahati also speaks about Assam's readiness in supporting and encouraging the future of Indian banking.

The release said, speaking about the unique advantage of this digital and AI-powered branch, Sarma said that the customers in the bank would be able to access credit directly through the UPI interface without a separate application for the same.

"This would help small store owners, woman entrepreneurs get access to working capital for their business ventures on their phones in minutes," he said.

He also attributed this development to financial inclusion in its most practical and meaningful form.

Sarma, on the occasion, said that the State government is committed to making Assam a destination for responsible, technology-driven investment.

He also said that the government is relentless in creating conditions where businesses can thrive, where young people can find opportunity, and where every resident of this state has access to the financial tools they need to build a better life, the release stated.

The Chief Minister thanked the bank authorities for setting up this new-age bank branch in Guwahati.

Former Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ashok Singhal, MD and CEO, Slice Small Finance Bank Rajan Bajaj, MD and CEO, NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), Dilip Asbe, among others, were present on the occasion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
'Phygital' banking—now that's a concept I can get behind! As someone who still prefers visiting a branch for big transactions, having AI kiosks alongside human tellers is the perfect blend. Hope this model expands to other cities like Silchar and Dibrugarh too. Assam is finally catching up! 👍
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Vikram M
Impressive to see Assam leading in fintech innovation! But let's not forget the basics—there are still villages in Assam without reliable internet or electricity. This AI branch is great for Guwahati, but real financial inclusion will come when these services reach rural areas with proper infrastructure. Just saying...
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James A
As someone who works in fintech in Bangalore, I'm genuinely excited about this! The UPI-integrated credit access for small businesses is a game-changer. Slice Bank is smart to set up in Assam first while others are fighting over Mumbai and Delhi. First-mover advantage in a growing market! 💪
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Ananya R
It's heartening to see our CM focus on technology-driven investment. But I hope these AI kiosks are also accessible for elderly and less tech-savvy customers—my grandmother would struggle with a paperless system! The 'phygital' approach should include proper staff assistance, not just automation.
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Michael C
Great to see innovation happening outside the usual metros! The credit access through UPI without separate application sounds revolutionary for micro-entrepreneurs. My cousin runs a small tea stall in Jorhat and always struggles with paperwork for loans. This could really help people like him. Hope the interest rates are reasonable though! 🤞

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