<h1>RBI Reports 89,396 Bank Branches in India; 37.4% Located in Rural Areas as of March 2011.</h1> The Reserve Bank of India reported that as of March 31, 2011, there were 89,396 commercial bank branches in India, with 37.4% in rural areas, 25.2% in semi-urban areas, 19.8% in urban areas, and 17.6% in metropolitan areas. The average population per branch was 13,503. To extend banking services, banks were advised to provide facilities to habitations with populations over 2,000 by March 2012. Approximately 73,000 such locations were identified, and as of March 31, 2011, 29,569 villages had been covered. This information was provided by a government official in response to a parliamentary question.