Long queues at banks in national capital

Security has also been beefed up in banks and ATMs in view of the expected rush even as people fumed over the idea of waiting in long queues on a working day.

As many 3,400 personnel of paramilitary and Delhi Police along with quick reaction teams have been deployed across the national capital for maintaining security in banks.

"Despite having money with us, we are struggling for basic necessities as grocery stores, DTC buses and other local shops are not accepting these notes. Now I have to skip going to office today to exchange notes as there is such a long queue that my turn will not come before another 3-4 hours," said Kumkum Bhargav, a primary school teacher.

Kunal Bhardwaj, a TCS employee said, "Those who have blackmoney will anyway find methods to get away. It is common man who will suffer. Now we have no option other than waiting in queues as there is no money for basic things as well".

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement to withdraw the high denomination notes, the banks were ordered to remain closed yesterday to realign and reload new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 currency.

People reached banks much before the opening time and formed long queues as bank staff helped people exchange Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes that have been declared invalid.

Banks have been asked to be open on weekends including Sunday to deal with the situation. The ATMs will resume functioning from tomorrow but there is a limit of withdrawl of Rs 2000 per day which is expected to be increased in coming week.