In a dramatic protest that brought one of Uttar Pradesh's busiest expressways to a standstill, toll plaza workers on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway threw open all gates to vehicles on Monday, allowing free passage to thousands of motorists in a powerful demonstration against unpaid Diwali bonuses.
Festive Season Turns Frustrating for Commuters
The protest, which erupted during the peak Diwali travel period, created massive traffic snarls and left authorities scrambling to restore order. Commuters found themselves caught in unprecedented gridlock as workers abandoned their posts and opened all toll barriers in a bold act of defiance.
"We have been waiting for our Diwali bonus for weeks now," one agitated worker told reporters at the scene. "How are we supposed to celebrate the festival with our families when the company hasn't paid us our rightful dues?"
Free Passage for All Vehicles
As the protest intensified, motorists initially welcomed the unexpected free passage but soon found themselves trapped in kilometers-long traffic jams. The normally smooth-flowing expressway transformed into a parking lot as the protest continued for hours.
Local authorities rushed to the scene to negotiate with the protesting workers while simultaneously trying to manage the chaotic traffic situation. Police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order as tensions flared between workers and management representatives.
Broken Promises Spark Worker Anger
According to workers involved in the protest, the toll plaza management had repeatedly promised to disburse Diwali bonuses before the festival but failed to honor their commitment. The frustration had been building for days before culminating in the dramatic protest action.
"This is not just about money; it's about respect and dignity," another worker emphasized. "We work through holidays and festivals to keep this expressway running. The least we deserve is our promised bonus during Diwali."
Impact on Diwali Travel Plans
The protest couldn't have come at a worse time for travelers. With millions of people traveling to celebrate Diwali with their families, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway serves as a critical transportation artery connecting major cities in Uttar Pradesh.
Many passengers reported missing important family functions and celebrations due to the unexpected delays. Some motorists expressed sympathy for the workers' plight, while others criticized the protest method for causing widespread inconvenience.
The incident has raised serious questions about labor rights in essential infrastructure projects and highlighted the vulnerability of critical transportation networks to labor disputes during peak travel seasons.
