Workers at the Fatehabad toll plaza on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway staged a protest on Monday due to dissatisfaction with their Diwali bonuses. In solidarity, they opened all toll gates, permitting numerous vehicles to travel without paying the usual fees. This action, while a boon for commuters, resulted in significant disruption to toll operations and led to substantial financial losses.
The protest was initiated by 21 employees of the Shri Sign & Datar company, which manages the Fatehabad toll post. They expressed their discontent after reportedly receiving a Diwali bonus as low as ₹1,100.
This demonstration is estimated to have cost the central government lakhs of rupees in lost revenue, with reports indicating that approximately 5,000 vehicles passed through the toll gates free of charge.
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway, a vital route in Uttar Pradesh, serves as a key connection between Agra and Lucknow, and also links to the National Capital Region.
Attempts by the company to bring in replacement workers from other toll booths were thwarted by the protesting employees, further escalating the chaos.
Authorities were alerted to the situation and arrived at the scene to mediate between the company management and the agitated staff.
To de-escalate the conflict, toll officials assured the protesting workers, promising a 10% salary increase and improved working conditions. One employee shared their frustration, stating, “I have been working with the company for the past one year but they have not given us any bonus. We have been working so hard but they do not even give us our salaries on time. The company is telling us now they will replace the staff but will not give us any bonus.”
The protest concluded after approximately 10 hours when the company agreed to the workers’ demands, including better working conditions and a salary hike.