Diwali Bonus Dispute Sparks Toll Plaza Strike

Toll employees at Fatehabad plaza on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway went on strike over a Diwali bonus dispute. The protest led to 3,000 vehicles passing without paying fees. Despite the disruption, the company faced minimal financial loss. A 7% salary hike was promised to resolve the issue.

Toll employees at the Fatehabad plaza on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway staged a strike due to a Diwali bonus dispute, significantly impacting toll collections earlier this week.

The protest began on October 19 as workers demanded a higher bonus than the 10% offered. This resulted in the removal of toll barriers, allowing approximately 3,000 vehicles to pass unhindered overnight.

Toll Manager Krishna Jurel confirmed that although vehicles bypassed the barriers, the company experienced only minor financial losses, around Rs 20,000, due to active FASTag deductions. Management later agreed to a 7% salary hike, effectively ending the standoff.

(With inputs from agencies.)