Noida Link Road Blocked Amid Violent Protest by Hosiery Workers
NEW DELHI: The Noida Link Road from Chilla Border in Delhi was completely blocked on Monday as workers from the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Noida, Uttar Pradesh, staged a violent protest, according to Delhi Traffic Police. The agitation, which began over demands for higher wages, escalated into clashes with police, leading to significant traffic congestion and disruptions in the area.
Traffic Chaos and Police Advisory
Delhi Traffic Police issued a public advisory on social media platform X, warning commuters about the severe impact on traffic movement. "Traffic at Noida severely affected due to ongoing agitation by the workers from private factories. They have completely blocked the Noida Link Road coming from Chilla Border (Delhi)," the post stated. Authorities urged the public to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes to avoid the blocked area.
The police specifically recommended:
- Using the DND Flyway from Sarai Kale Khan for travel to Noida.
- Alternatively, taking NH 24 via Kondli Bridge and entering Noida through Noida Mod.
Heavy police deployment was made in the region to control the situation and restore order amid the escalating unrest.
Protest Escalates into Violence
The protest, which had been ongoing with workers pressing for a salary hike, turned violent on Monday. Demonstrators allegedly vandalized vehicles and properties, pelted stones during clashes with police, and even set a car on fire. A large number of workers gathered at the site, intensifying their demands for better wages and working conditions.
This incident highlights the growing tensions in industrial areas over labor rights and compensation issues, with workers taking to the streets to voice their grievances forcefully.
Background and Government Response
The unrest follows a meeting held on Sunday by Noida District Magistrate Medha Roopam with senior labor officials to discuss worker welfare measures. The meeting, which included the Principal Secretary (Labour) and the State Labour Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh participating virtually, focused on key topics such as:
- Protection of workers' interests.
- Double payment for overtime work.
- Bonus provisions.
- Weekly holidays.
- Workplace safety enhancements.
In a post on X, the District Magistrate emphasized that the meeting was aimed at maintaining industrial peace and addressing labor concerns proactively. However, the violent protest on Monday suggests that workers' demands remain unmet, leading to further agitation and public disruption.
The blockage of the Noida Link Road has caused significant inconvenience to commuters, underscoring the broader impact of labor disputes on urban infrastructure and daily life in the Delhi-NCR region. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to resolve the conflict and restore normal traffic flow.
