Toll Workers Open Gates on Agra-Lucknow Expressway Following Diwali Bonus Denial

The incident occurred on Sunday evening.

On Sunday, employees at the Fatehabad toll plaza on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway initiated a strike and opened the gates allowing thousands of vehicles to pass through without paying tolls. This action was taken in protest after they were denied their Diwali bonus.

Footage from the scene captured vehicles passing through the toll booths without making any payments, in an extraordinary event estimated to have resulted in financial losses of several lakhs of rupees for the Union Government.

The Expressway functions as a vital transportation route for Uttar Pradesh, offering a direct connection between Agra and Lucknow. It also links to Delhi and the National Capital Region via the Yamuna Expressway.

"I have been employed with the company for one year, but we have not received any bonus. Despite our hard work, they fail to pay our salaries on time. The company is now threatening to replace the staff rather than provide us with our bonuses," stated one protesting employee.

The employees work for Shrisai and Datar Company. Several workers claimed they were promised that their Diwali bonuses would be deposited into their bank accounts last week, but this did not happen.

In response, the frustrated employees raised the boom barriers at the toll booth on Sunday night and began a sit-in protest. This demonstration lasted for 10 hours and concluded only after officials assured them they would receive their bonuses.

At the time of reporting, the company had not issued an official statement.