Tolls accept Rs 500, 1000 notes and run out of change

Toll authorities finally decided to allow vehicles to pass without charging toll fare as and when the queue becomes unmanageable

Chaos reigned at Bengaluru's airport toll lanes as hundreds of commuters sought change for Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes on Wednesday. Airport toll authorities had a tough time managing the crowd and policemen have been deployed at the spot.

"We started off with Rs 8 lakh in Rs 100, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 5, Rs 2 and Re 1 denominations but ran out of change within 2-3 hours. Every person who came to the toll handed over a Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 note asking for change. We are now asking commuters to wait for change and that is causing long queues of vehicles", said Nagendra, the toll's PR.

Toll authorities finally decided to allow vehicles to pass without charging toll fare as and when the queue becomes unmanageable. The authorities say that they were also taken aback with the sudden decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.

"Had we known earlier that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes are going out of transaction, we would have arranged for more change. Now the banks are also closed and we have no option but to wait untill commuters tender exact change and the same can be returned to those producing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bills", Nagendra added.