New Delhi, March 26: Dhanalakshmi Bank Ltd is planning to open branches in West Asia.

The bank, which has a major presence in the southern parts of India — Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh — is also slowly expanding its operations in the north, east and west. The bank opened its second branch in Delhi today and plans to open three more each in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

It also plans to start three branches in Calcutta and 12 more in Andhra Pradesh by year-end. Currently, the bank has 162 branches in the country.

Dhanalakshmi Bank managing director and chief executive officer T. R. Madhavan said, “We would like to be present wherever there is business. Our association with people of the south makes it imperative to be present where there is a sizeable population from the southern states. West Asia is the natural choice for our first overseas operation.”

The bank also has a tie-up with United Insurance Company to offer various insurance products at a low premium to devotees visiting Sabarimala.