Key facts
- Currency in circulation has reached a record high.
- ATM operators are warning of replenishment challenges.
- Potential cash shortages could impact rural and cash-dependent users.
Currency in circulation has reached a record high, yet ATM operators are signaling difficulties in replenishing cash machines. This situation raises concerns about potential cash shortages, which could disproportionately affect individuals in rural areas and those who rely heavily on cash for daily transactions. The specific reasons behind these replenishment challenges were not detailed in the provided information. India has seen a decline in the number of ATMs, from over 2.19 lakh machines in FY23 to approximately 2.09 lakh in FY26.