Diwali bonus uproar: Toll workers upset over ₹1,100, block expressway for two hours

Lucknow/Agra (The Uttam Hindu): Angry over a meager Diwali bonus, toll workers took such a step that the toll company lost lakhs of rupees while the general public enjoyed Diwali. The incident took place at the Fatehabad toll plaza on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, where employees were given a mere 1100 rupees each as a Diwali bonus, which angered them.

Angry employees opened the toll barriers in protest causing the expressway to be completely "free" for about two hours. During this time, the company lost millions of rupees in revenue.

According to reports, the toll plaza is operated by the Shree Sain & Datar company. The company began operating the toll in March this year. When employees received a Diwali bonus of only ₹1,100, they became angry, calling it "insulting."

The employees said that when the company had taken the contract, they were working here also, then how can a lower bonus be given citing half a year.

As soon as the morning shift began, employees stopped work in protest over the bonus and opened the toll gates. Within minutes, vehicles parked in long lines began to speed past without paying the toll tax. For nearly two hours, not a single rupee was collected at the toll booth.

It is estimated that during this two-hour "free service," more than 10,000 vehicles passed through the expressway without paying toll tax. As soon as the police became aware of the incident, they immediately arrived at the scene. Police mediated between the officials and the angry employees and brokered a compromise. After about two hours, the situation at the toll returned to normal and tax collection resumed.