PM Narendra Modi’s announcement of abolition of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes caught Udaipurites completely off-guard and threw the normal life out of gear. The city saw wide ranging reactions owing to the inconvenience caused due to non-acceptance of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 as means of exchange.

Longs queues were seen at toll plazas since morning. In an unusual incidence, a 3 kilometers long jam was observed at  Kherwada Toll plaza as the staff of the toll did not accept Rs. 500 and 1000 currency notes and were also falling short on change. Some incidences of minor scuffle were also reported from the scene.

Mohammed Ashfaq, Vice President of city’s Autorickshaw Assosiation said, that Government decision of scraping the high denomination notes is hitting both the tourists and the over 5000 auto rickshaw drivers in the city. Local tourists and foreigners were caught stranded with only Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes and ATMs were also closed leaving them with no option. Hoteliers and general stores are also avoiding the scrapped currency notes leaving no avenue to get changed currency. As a result, auto rickshaw drivers were forced to let go off passengers, ultimately hitting their business.

Paras Singhvi, President of Chamber of Commerce Udaipur said that the sudden change has also caught the local businessmen off-guard as they normally keep a good chunk of cash for their daily transactions. He said that the chamber will soon hold a meeting to discuss the issue.

Government decision has also hit people who were planning for wedding functions in their house. They have been forced to purchase valuables on credits as banks and ATMs were closed and the high denomination notes that they were holding were not being accepted.

In some reported incidences, petrol pump owners agreed to take Rs 500 currency only if the vehicle owners demanded fuel of Rs 500 and did not offer change.