Gujarat: Long queues continue at banks, ATMs and POs

Ahmedabad: Panic-stricken citizens queued outside banks, post offices and ATMs across Gujarat on the second consecutive day to get new currency notes in exchange for their now defunct bills following Centre's move of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

People in dire need of lower denomination currency and new banknotes to pay for their daily expenses started rushing to the ATMs, which began functioning today after a break of two days, since early morning.

Since ATMs were supposed to start dispensing cash from today, many decided to queue up outside ATMs hoping to get easy cash rather than visiting banks and POs.

However, many ATMs ran out of cash within hours while many others did not open at all, thus adding to the frustration of people.

"I came to ATM to withdraw Rs 100 notes as I failed to get cash yesterday from my bank due to heavy rush. However, the ATM was closed within few hours as it ran out of cash. This was the only functioning ATM in my area," said Rakesh Desai, a resident of Chandlodia area.

Meanwhile, police personnel was deployed at the banks in anticipation of large crowds as people flocked banks and post offices to exchange the now-invalid Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes with the new notes.

Depositors are complaining about the "time-consuming" procedure they have to undergo in order to exchange their cash at the banks.

"These forms are not easily available, which forced us to get them copied. We also need to attach copies of our ID proofs, such as Aadhaar card. On an average, it takes almost 2-3 hours for the entire transaction," said Shirish Shah, a resident of Ghatlodia.