Making a U-turn within a few hours, the government on Friday advanced by a day the last date for using the old Rs 500 notes to purchase tickets for travel by train, government- or public sector undertaking-run buses and commuting on suburban and Metro rail services.

The guillotine was also applied to use of the old Rs 500 notes to pay for catering services on board during travel by rail.

In a communication here, the government said that effective December 9 midnight old Rs 500 notes can no longer be used for availing these services.

"The government has been reviewing the different operational aspects of the matters related to the cancellation of the legal tender character of old high denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000," a statement by the Finance Ministry said.

"There has been a declining trend in the receipt of the old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. Further, a number of steps have been taken for promoting digital transactions," it added.

On November 8, the government declared drive across the country and said high denomination Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 will cease to be legal tender.