Traffic movement between Delhi and Noida was severely affected on Monday after a workers’ protest in Gautam Buddha Nagar district escalated into violence, reported the IANS.
According to the Delhi Traffic Police, heavy congestion was reported along the Noida Link Road as protesters blocked routes near the Chilla Border, disrupting vehicles travelling from Delhi towards Noida.
The police issued a traffic advisory urging commuters to avoid the affected stretch and plan their journeys in advance.
Motorists heading towards Noida were advised to use alternative routes such as the DND Flyway via Sarai Kale Khan or the NH-24 route through Kondli Bridge, entering Noida via Noida Mod, as per the IANS.
Protest escalates across industrial areas
According to the IANS, the disruption coincided with rising tensions in Noida, where a workers’ protest in Phase 2 turned violent.
Thousands of workers from private factories had been staging a sit-in protest for three days, demanding better wages and improved working conditions. On Monday, large groups moved onto roads across several industrial sectors, leading to widespread disruption.
In Sector 62, heavy gatherings worsened traffic congestion already caused by road blockades.
Workers demands
Speaking to IANS, several workers shared their grievances, highlighting the growing gap between wages and living expenses. A protester said that despite working for five years in the same company, his monthly salary remains around Rs 12,000. “When we ask for a raise, we are threatened and told to leave the job,” he claimed.
Another worker pointed to the rising cost of living, questioning how low-income earners are expected to survive. “Those earning Rs 50,000 buy cooking oil at Rs 200 per kg, and we also have to buy it at the same rate. Is there a separate market for us?” he said, adding that nearly Rs 5,000 is spent on room rent alone. “Our salaries should be increased,” he demanded.
Workers also expressed concern over steadily rising housing costs. “Every year, the rent increases for the rooms, but our salaries do not. How are we supposed to pay?” one protester asked, adding that managing expenses like rent, ration and children’s education has become increasingly difficult.
Many workers demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 to sustain their households. A female worker told IANS that her base salary is Rs 12,000, which increases to Rs 14,000–15,000 only after overtime. “Even then, it is not enough to sustain. Our salary should be at least Rs 20,000–25,000,” she said.
Police deployment to restore order
Police forces were deployed in large numbers to manage the situation and prevent further escalation. Authorities are working to restore normal traffic flow and ensure the safety of commuters and nearby industrial units, as per the IANS.
The unrest comes despite recent assurances by district authorities. Officials had earlier met representatives of companies and workers to address key concerns.
District Magistrate Medha Roopam announced several measures, including double wages for overtime, weekly day off for workers, double pay for work on rest days, timely salary payments by the 10th of each month and mandatory salary slips and no unauthorised deductions.
A dedicated control room has also been set up to handle workers’ grievances. Authorities have appealed to protesters to remain peaceful and cooperate in maintaining law and order.
(with IANS inputs)