Banks and ATMs, schools, offices: What’s open, what’s closed amid India-Pak standoff?

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated rapidly after the Pakistani Army resorted to unprovoked cross-border firing in multiple areas across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan on Thursday, which was met with a befitting response from the Indian armed forces.

As the situation intensified, several border states were forced to ramp up security measures after Pakistan tried to attack three military bases in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, along with other key installations in J&K, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Fortunately, the Indian Army successfully thwarted the attempted strikes. In retaliation, India carried out strategic operations targeting cities like Islamabad, Sialkot, and Lahore.

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With several states, including the national capital New Delhi, now placed on high alert, here’s a comprehensive look at what’s open, what’s shut—and where.

Offices

In a bid to tighten security and maintain administrative readiness, several states have cancelled all leaves for government staff and police personnel.

In Punjab, all police officers and government employees have been asked to report on duty without exception. “Leaves should be granted only in special circumstances with the approval of the competent authority,” an order from the Punjab DGP’s office stated, citing “administrative reasons” for the move starting May 7.

Following Punjab’s lead, Rajasthan and Gujarat also cancelled leaves for police forces and administrative staff posted near the International Border. West Bengal, Bihar, and Haryana have now joined the list, taking similar precautionary measures.

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The Delhi government followed suit on Thursday, announcing that all employee leaves stand cancelled until further notice. The decision, issued by the Services Department late evening, in view of the prevailing situation and preparedness for any emergency.

Some private offices in Delhi-NCR were also given an option to work from home, if it felt unsafe to step out, reported The Times of India.

Schools, Colleges & Institutions

In response to rising tensions, several states have shut down educational institutions as a precautionary measure.

In Punjab, all schools, colleges, and universities have been ordered to remain closed for three days. Schools in Chandigarh are also shut.

In Rajasthan, schools across border districts such as Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Barmer have been closed until further notice.

Jammu and Kashmir has declared a two-day closure for all educational institutions on May 9 and 10. The Union Territory of Leh has also suspended school activities for the same period.

Haryana has shut down schools across the state, including in districts like Panchkula. Himachal Pradesh has imposed closures specifically in the Una district.

In the national capital region, several schools—such as DPS branches in R K Puram, East of Kailash, and Vasant Vihar—opted for voluntary closure on Friday. Some others shifted to online mode as a precaution.

In West Bengal, including Kolkata, some schools have advanced their summer vacations and shut down from May 9, ahead of their scheduled break, given the prevailing situation.

Exams postponed

In light of the escalating tensions, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced the postponement of several upcoming exams scheduled for May 2025.

The affected papers include the remaining exams for the CA Final, Intermediate, and the Post Qualification Course (PQC) in International Taxation. Additionally, the International Taxation – Assessment Test (INTT–AT), a four-hour paper under the PQC, has also been deferred until further notice.

Petrol Pumps, ATMs and banks

Amid circulating rumours, authorities have clarified that essential services like ATMs, banks, and petrol pumps will remain operational across the country.

A fake WhatsApp message claiming a nationwide ATM shutdown for the next 2–3 days was debunked earlier today by a PIB fact check, confirming that all ATM services will function as usual.

Are ATMs closed⁉️

A viral #WhatsApp message claims ATMs will be closed for 2–3 days.

🛑 This Message is FAKE

✅ ATMs will continue to operate as usual

❌ Don't share unverified messages.#IndiaFightsPropaganda pic.twitter.com/BXfzjjFpzD

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 9, 2025

Bank branches, too, will continue regular operations and are not affected by the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Any closures this week will be limited to pre-declared regional holidays and festivals as per the RBI calendar.

Petrol pumps across India also remain open. Indian Oil, in a tweet, urged citizens to avoid panic buying and assured that there is no shortage of fuel. “Ample fuel stocks are available across the country and supply lines are operating smoothly,” the company said.

#IndianOil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly.

There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets.

Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our…

— Indian Oil Corp Ltd (@IndianOilcl) May 9, 2025

Airports and trains

In a major move, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has temporarily suspended civil flight operations at 24 airports across the country amid heightened tensions. Key airfields impacted include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Bhuj, and Jammu. However, major hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai continue to operate normally.

Also read: India-Pakistan tensions: Which airports in India are closed? Is it safe to travel now?

To ensure enhanced vigilance, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has directed all airports and airlines to bolster their security arrangements. Airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have advised travellers to arrive early at operational airports due to extended security checks.

Rail services near sensitive border areas have also been affected. As per a list from NDTV, multiple trains have either been cancelled, partially cancelled, or rescheduled in view of the situation.

Cancelled:

-Train No. 14895 – Bhagat ki Kothi to Barmer

-Train No. 14896 – Barmer to Bhagat ki Kothi

-Train No. 04880 – Munabav to Barmer

-Train No. 54881 – Barmer to Munabav

Partially Cancelled:

-Train No. 12468 – Jaipur to Jaisalmer (short terminated at Bikaner)

-Train No. 12467 – Jaisalmer to Jaipur (originating from Bikaner)

Rescheduled:

-Train No. 14661 – Barmer to Jammu Tawi

-Train No. 74840 – Barmer to Bhagat ki Kothi

-Train No. 15013 – Jaisalmer to Kathgodam

-Train No. 14807 – Jodhpur to Dadar

-Train No. 14864 – Jodhpur to Varanasi

Public Transport

Security has been significantly intensified across transport hubs in the national capital, especially at metro stations.

“As part of ongoing anti-terror measures, the police conducted a thorough security inspection at the Mayur Vihar Phase-1 Metro Station, a vital public installation,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), Abhishek Dhania. He added that CISF personnel were briefed and a special coordination meeting was held during the inspection.

Currently, 41 CCTV cameras are functional at the station, with seven male and two female CISF personnel deployed per shift to ensure continuous surveillance and safety.

Heightened security checks have also been extended to other public spaces, including malls, markets, hotels, and residential colonies, as precautionary measures.

With input from agencies