Patna: The ATMs may have recovered from the cash crunch, but banks will remain closed on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.

The banks will reopen on April 30 (Monday) only to stay shut on May 1 (Tuesday), as the day is celebrated as International Workers' Day.

All this has led to fears among the people that the cash crisis may return to affect their day-to-day activities.

The banks, however, insist they have contingency plans in place to ensure adequate cash supply at the ATMs.

"Residents are, however, advised to keep sufficient quantity of cash with them so that the bank holidays don't affect them," said an SBI official.

Last week, people and business houses in the city had to bear the brunt of the cash shortage. The situation has improved in Patna and in several other districts.

"Closing of banks on holidays is routine. Our bank has plans in advance and there will be no cash shortage in the ATMs because it will be replenished continuously by the agencies. There will be no cash shortage again as most of our ATMs are functioning and giving out cash. People are advised not to withdraw money more than their genuine need so that others are not affected during the bank holidays," said the SBI official.

Imam Ahmed, a trader from Samastipur, said the cash crunch has eased out for now.

"But during the bank holidays cash replenishment in ATMs comes to a standstill," he said.