Thousands of vehicles sped through the Agra-Lucknow Expressway’s Fatehabad toll plaza on Monday without paying fees after toll workers, protesting a low Diwali bonus, opened all gates in anger. The demonstration, involving around 21 employees of Shri Sign & Datar Company, caused major traffic disruption for nearly two hours before police intervened.
The protest began when staff received only ₹1,100 as a festival bonus – a figure they said was “insultingly low” compared with last year’s payout of around ₹5,000. Workers accused management of ignoring their pleas for fair compensation, arguing that the expressway’s revenue justified a higher festive reward.
Protest Escalates, Police Rush to Restore Order
Eyewitnesses said the agitation began early morning when workers refused to operate toll booths and instead raised the barriers, letting vehicles pass freely. Attempts by management to deploy replacement staff failed after protesters blocked access. Within hours, several kilometres of the expressway saw chaos as vehicles moved unchecked through the plaza.
Police from Fatehabad and nearby stations rushed to the site to manage traffic and mediate between the company and employees. “The situation is now under control. We ensured commuter safety while talks were initiated between both parties,” a senior officer told India TV News.
According to estimates, over 5,000 vehicles crossed without paying tolls, causing an approximate revenue loss of ₹30–33 lakh. However, no injuries or accidents were reported during the disruption.
Company Offers 10% Salary Hike, Operations Resume
The company, which took charge of the Fatehabad toll in March 2025, maintained that it could not provide a full-year bonus as it had been operating for less than eight months. Following discussions with law enforcement and local officials, Shri Sign & Datar announced a 10 per cent salary hike as an immediate relief to employees.
“The company has assured workers of better conditions and future review of the incentive structure,” a spokesperson for the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) said. Operations resumed around noon after the workers agreed to return to their posts, restoring normal toll collection.
Despite the resolution, the episode has drawn attention to recurring labour tensions at privately managed toll plazas across India. Analysts note that contract-based employment models often leave staff vulnerable to inconsistent benefits and limited negotiation power, especially during festive periods when financial expectations rise.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident is a stark reminder of the growing disconnect between corporate management and frontline infrastructure workers who keep public services running smoothly. While the employees’ frustration over unfair pay is understandable, the form of protest – which risked public safety – reflects deeper systemic issues around worker rights, communication, and respect.
Festive seasons should symbolise appreciation, not alienation. Employers must adopt transparent bonus policies and engage workers meaningfully to prevent such breakdowns. Equally, protest movements should remain peaceful and responsible.
