HRA Katra & PHDCCI Assure Full Support to the Axis Bank
29/01/2026
Katra,January 29 (KIP)-Axis Bank, formerly known as UTI Bank, today inaugurated its new branch at Katra in an impressive and well-attended function, marking a significant step towards strengthening banking and financial services in this important pilgrimage and tourism hub of Jammu & Kashmir.
The branch was formally inaugurated by President, Hotel & Restaurant Association (HRA), Katra and Chairman, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Jammu Region, Mr. Rakesh Wazir, in the presence of senior officials of Axis Bank and other distinguished guests.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Anil Aggarwal, President (Government Business), Axis Bank; Kanwalbir Singh, Circle Head; Mohd. Moin Shaikh, Cluster Head; Kamal Singh, Naib Tehsildar Katra; Shyam Lal Kesar, Chairman HRA Katra; Virender Kesar, Senior Vice President HRA Katra; and Yogesh Khajuria, Branch Head, Axis Bank, besides other officials and invitees.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rakesh Wazir congratulated Axis Bank on opening its new branch at Katra and assured full cooperation and support from the organisations he represents, including HRA Katra and PHDCCI Jammu Region and the people of Katra. He said that the inauguration of this branch marks another important milestone in enhancing banking outreach and financial infrastructure in Katra, which serves as a major centre for pilgrimage, tourism, hospitality and trade.
Mr. Wazir highlighted that Axis Bank, as one of India’s leading bank, offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services catering to retail customers, MSMEs, corporates and institutional clients. With its strong nationwide presence, robust digital banking platforms and customer-centric approach, Axis Bank has emerged as a trusted name in the Indian banking sector and continues to play a vital role in promoting economic growth and financial inclusion across the country. He further stated that the bank has earned a distinguished reputation and stands among the top banks of the nation.
Emphasising the role of banks in regional development, Mr. Wazir stressed that banking institutions should not function merely as money collection centres where deposits are mobilised locally but investments are diverted elsewhere. He underlined that banking must be a two-way process, wherein mobilisation of deposits and extension of credit go hand in hand to support local trade, industry, tourism, entrepreneurship and employment generation.
Mr.Kesar while appreciating the role of Axis Bank in Jammu & Kashmir,said that the bank has played a positive and constructive role in the region by extending timely banking support to businesses, entrepreneurs and the service sector, thereby contributing meaningfully to the economic development of the Union Territory. He also emphasised the need for enhanced customer-friendly facilities so that the people of Katra and surrounding areas may fully benefit from modern banking services, digital platforms and easy access to credit.
Senior officials of Axis Bank, while addressing the gathering, thanked Mr. Wazir and other dignitaries for sparing their valuable time to attend the inauguration ceremony. They assured that the bank would leave no stone unturned in providing the best possible banking facilities to the people of Katra and expressed confidence that the newly opened branch would soon emerge as one of the leading and most customer-oriented branches in the town.
Several prominent citizens, traders, hoteliers and members of the hospitality sector were present on the occasion, reflecting strong optimism and positive expectations regarding the expansion of banking services in Katra.