VISAKHAPATNAM: Even as nine days passed since demonetisation has come into effect, only 40 ATMs are dispensing Rs 2,000 notes in the city limits out of the total 1,104 ATMs.
Besides a majority of the ATMs is still to be recalibrated with the configuration of Rs 2,000 notes.
The ATMs run dry within an hour of loading of cash. While people rush to stand in long queues to get the new currency, some expressed displeasure as the ATMs were dispensing only Rs 2,000 notes.
Most of them are using more than two cards for withdrawal of money while others are finding it difficult to get change.
The State Bank of India e-corner near MVP Colony witnessed huge crowd for the withdrawal of cash. The ATM was doling out only Rs 2,000 notes from the e-corner on Friday. As there were no Rs 100 notes, many turned back.
Meanwhile, Yes Bank near MVP Colony had only Rs 100 notes. The bank is yet to recalibrate to withdraw Rs 2,000. A TM of Lakshmi Vilas Bank near MVP Double Road remained closed.
“The bank is running out of cash. According to the available denominations, we are disbursing Rs 100 notes but the bank will be getting new denominations in another week,” said V Ram Babu, the branch head.
The ATM of Kotak Mahindra Bank ran dry of cash in 15 minutes in the morning. “We are yet to get the configuration of Rs 2,000 notes, besides the ATM gets loaded with money twice-thrice daily depending on the need,” said deputy manager M Sagar.
Many banks said that the ATMs would be recalibrated for higher denomination notes by Friday night, some banks will take a few weeks for the recalibration.
“As of now we are getting Rs 100 notes. The ATM will be recalibrated for Rs 2000 notes by Friday night,” said A Santosh, assistant manager of Karur Vysya Bank, MVP branch Meanwhile, many banks have imposed restrictions on the amount of withdrawals from the ATMs.
While the total amount loaded is sufficient for about 200-250 people, the ATMs run out of cash after 150 people withdraw cash.
“We have nine ATMs configured for Rs 2,000 notes by Friday night. We will be recalibrating three more ATMs,” said B Vijay Lakshmi, the DGM of Andhra Bank. Some of the ATMs of Oriental Bank of Commerce, Indian Overseas Bank and HDFC near Akkayyapalem have remained shut.
“It would be better if we can get both Rs 100 and Rs 2,000 notes which is useful to go to a medical shop or for paying bills or monthly expenses in huge amounts,” said A Rajesh, private employee.