Toll Workers Strike Over Diwali Bonus on Agra-Lucknow Expressway: Thousands of Vehicles Get Free

Toll workers at the Fatehabad plaza on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway staged a protest that brought toll collection to a halt for almost 10 hours in a spectacular turn of events ahead of Diwali, allowing thousands of vehicles to pass without paying. Dissatisfaction at a substantially reduced Diwali bonus led to the walkout, which started late on October 19 and garnered public attention and widespread disruption.

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Why Did People Protest on Agra-Lucknow Expressway?

According to reports, the toll employees of Shri Sai and Datar Company were given a bonus of ₹1,100, which is a significant decrease from the ₹5,000 they were given the previous year. In addition to being discriminatory, workers said the sum did not account for their longer workdays and the toll plaza’s growing earnings.

“They are taking advantage of us. We work 12 hours even though our agreement states 8-hour shifts. We do not receive weekly leaves or raises. One employee who was protesting remarked, “Not even the labor court can help.”

Effect on Commuters and Traffic

As the demonstration intensified, workers at the Agra-Lucknow Expressway removed all toll barriers, enabling free passage to nearly 5,000 vehicles during the busiest Dhanteras period. The Yamuna Expressway, a vital highway that connects Agra, Lucknow, and Delhi, saw unbroken traffic, which surprised commuters and alarmed authorities.

Due to uncertainty caused by the abrupt toll-free entrance, police were called in to control the scene and avoid accidents.

The Company’s Reaction and Settlement

Citing FASTag auto-deductions, the toll-operating business first denied any significant financial losses. Negotiations were prompted, nevertheless, by the extent of the disturbance and the media coverage. The company agreed to a 10% salary hike after hours of negotiations, which resulted in a partial resolution and the restart of toll operations.

“Tolls were automatically deducted because the majority of vehicles use FASTag,” said project manager Krishna Jurel. Concerns raised by the personnel are being addressed.

Workers Demand : More Than Just a Bonus

Workers voiced more general issues in addition to the bonus issue:

Excessive working hours: 12-hour shifts rather than the agreed-upon 8 hours

Poor grievance redressal: Labour court interventions apparently unsuccessful

Lack of wage increments: No rise despite increased workload;

The demonstration brought to light structural problems with labor rights enforcement and toll plaza administration, particularly during holiday seasons when workloads increase.

Discontent during Diwali Leads to Collective Action

Days before Diwali, the protest’s timing gave the workers’ demands more emotional weight. Given the importance of the festival, many believed that the lowered incentive was both financially unjust and culturally offensive.

“The bonus is a thank-you gift. Another employee remarked, “₹1,100 is an insult to our efforts.”

🧭 Impact for Upcoming Toll Operations

The strike has prompted inquiries regarding:

Privately run toll plazas’ labor practices – openness in bonus and wage policies – emergency protocols for traffic control amid employee unrest

Additionally, it establishes a standard for toll workers throughout India to take collective action, particularly during busy festivals.

Community Voices and Public Response

The toll-free route was praised by some commuters, while others voiced worries about safety and a lack of coordination. Support for the employees and disapproval of the company’s handling of the situation were among the responses on social media.

The walkout was widely covered by local and national news channels, drawing attention to the working conditions of toll workers, who are frequently disregarded in discussions about infrastructure.

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