A dramatic scene unfolded at the Fatehabad toll plaza on the Agra–Lucknow Expressway when angry toll workers, upset over a meagre Diwali bonus, opened all lanes and allowed thousands of vehicles to pass without paying any toll. What began as a workers’ protest quickly turned into an unexpected relief for commuters but caused major losses to the toll operator and the government. Police teams were soon dispatched to the site to restore order after the situation spiraled into chaos.
The agitation started when twenty-one employees of Shri Sign & Datar, the company managing the Fatehabad toll, reportedly received just ₹1,100 as their Diwali bonus. Frustrated by what they saw as unfair treatment, the workers decided to stop collecting tolls entirely. According to reports, nearly 5,000 vehicles drove through without payment, resulting in losses amounting to several lakhs of rupees for the Centre.
The toll post, a key point on the busy expressway that links Delhi, Agra, and Lucknow, was soon brought to a standstill. Company officials attempted to deploy replacement staff from nearby toll booths to restart operations, but the protesting employees blocked their entry, further intensifying the standoff.
When the situation escalated, police arrived at the scene and tried to mediate between the toll company’s management and the workers. The talks eventually led to a temporary resolution, with officials assuring a 10 percent salary hike and a review of working conditions to end the unrest.
One of the protesting employees told NDTV that they had been working tirelessly for a year without proper bonuses or timely salary payments. “We have been working so hard, but they don’t even give us our salaries on time. Now they’re threatening to replace us instead of addressing our demands,” the worker said.
After nearly ten hours of disruption that began late Sunday night, the protest was finally called off when the company promised to improve pay and ensure fair treatment for its staff. Normal toll operations resumed soon after, bringing relief to commuters and authorities alike.
