Chennai: Customers irked as banks run out of cash after 4-day break

Chennai: Though nationalised and private banks resumed operations on Tuesday after four consecutive holidays, they turned down the account holders and customers, By 11.30 am on Wednesday, the banks witnessed arguments and chaos between staff and the account holders who wanted to withdraw cash.

“Post cyclone period ATMs were dry and the banks opened after four days, but there is no respite for the public,” said S. Sasi, a cab driver. “Last week, I got my salary in cheque. Even after six days I am unable to withdraw cash. Post Vardah life is pathetic in Chennai and being without cash is another disaster”, he rued.
“We distributed cash for two hours and had no other options. Only when the reserve bank supply of currency is stabilised and the ATMs are stocked with new currencies situation will improve", said a ICICI branch cashier attached to Vepery branch. Long serpentine queues were also witnessed in front of State Banks, Indian Overseas and Indian banks.

There is no rotation of cash and account holders are not depositing new vaild notes in their accounts and this also affects the banking operations, said K. Kuber, who works with Indian Overseas Bank.