People line up in front of HDFC Bank in Sector 5, Dwarka
People are at the end of their tether trying to withdraw or exchange cash. It's a nightmare, and patience is running low.
President of Dwarka Forum, Madhuri Varshney, spent four hours trying to withdraw Rs 5,000 from ICICI Bank in Sector 5. She shared her experience with City Spidey. "There were four lines for deposit, withdrawal, exchange and other services, and yet there was chaos. Unfortunately, some were able to enter without standing in line — they are, perhaps, known to those working at the bank," she said.
An auto driver, who has been queuing up for the past four days at the same bank, said, "I need money urgently. What do I do? This is my fourth day and I have not been able to get the cash. I am losing patience.”
An auto driver (in grey) has been coming to ICICI Bank, Sector 5, Dwarka, for the past four days, but still hasn't received his money
Varshney also pointed out how the elderly, unemployed youths and labourers were queuing up for others, charging Rs 2 for every Rs 100 they withdraw. It's an organised affair, and people are openly offering their services.
"After two hours, a few policemen came to the bank, pretending to manage the crowd, but left the moment they got their job done at the bank! The bankers, too, are working round the clock. These are difficult days for them as well," she added.
The situation is particularly stressful for foreign tourists. City Spidey spoke to Alexender from Belarus, who was waiting in queue at HDFC Bank in Sector 5. He said, "We are clueless; we don't know the rules. We had no idea we would have to first get our currency exchanged and then stand in line to get the Indian currency exchanged as well. It's very hassling and a bad experience."
Two tourists from Belarus in front of HDFC Bank in Sector 5, Dwarka
Some residents were of the opinion that banks should extend its working hours, since the entire process of depositing money and then withdrawing is easily taking three to four hours.
Amit Verma, a student, left the queue at 2.30 pm after spending an hour waiting at HDFC Bank. He complained, "It's taking at least 15 minutes for each person to even enter the bank — by when they are getting the money is another issue altogether. By the time it'll be my turn, the bank will close. So it's better I leave."
