The Diwali spirit didn’t quite light up for toll workers at the Fatehabad plaza on the Agra–Lucknow Expressway this year. Angry over receiving just ₹1,100 as a festive bonus, they decided to take matters into their own hands literally. On Monday, they lifted all barriers, letting thousands of vehicles pass for free and turning the busy expressway into an unexpected Diwali gift for commuters. The protest caused chaos at the toll booth, forcing the police to intervene.
What started as frustration over a meagre Diwali bonus quickly became a full-blown standoff between employees and management, lasting nearly ten hours.
Low Diwali Bonus Sparks Highway Chaos
The toll plaza, managed by Shri Sign & Datar Company, saw over 5,000 vehicles passing without paying toll fees during the agitation. For many travellers, it was the best Diwali surprise they could imagine, but for authorities, it was a logistical nightmare and a financial setback worth lakhs of rupees.
The workers accused the company of not only giving an insulting Diwali bonus but also delaying salaries. “We’ve been working for over a year without proper pay. Now they say they’ll replace us but won’t give the bonus,” said one protestor.
When the management tried to bring in new workers to resume toll operations, the protesting employees blocked them, intensifying the commotion.
Police Intervention Brings an End to the Diwali Protest
The police soon arrived and mediated between the angry employees and the company officials. Eventually, the protest ended after the management agreed to improve working conditions and offer a 10% salary hike restoring order to the Diwali chaos on the expressway.
The incident has since gone viral on social media, with many users supporting the workers’ stand against poor pay practices, while others questioned the government’s loss of toll revenue.
FAQs
Q1: Why did the toll workers protest during Diwali?
A: The workers protested after receiving just ₹1,100 as their Diwali bonus, which they found unfair.
Q2: How many vehicles passed without payment during the Diwali protest?
A: Over 5,000 vehicles passed through the Agra–Lucknow Expressway toll plaza without paying during the Diwali protest.
Q3: How long did the Diwali protest last?
A: The Diwali protest continued for around 10 hours before the company promised a salary hike.
Q4: What steps did authorities take to resolve the Diwali protest?
A: Police mediated between the workers and management, resulting in a 10% salary hike and improved working conditions.
