Traffic movement between Delhi and Noida faced severe disruptions on Monday as a workers’ protest in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddha Nagar district turned violent. The Delhi Traffic Police reported intensified congestion along the Noida Link Road due to the ongoing agitation by workers from private factories. Protesters blocked the route from the Chilla Border, significantly impacting vehicular movement from Delhi to Noida.
In response to the situation, the traffic police issued an advisory urging commuters to plan their journeys in advance and avoid the affected stretch. Commuters heading towards Noida were advised to consider alternative routes such as the DND Flyway from Sarai Kale Khan or the NH-24 route via Kondli Bridge to enter Noida through Noida Mod.
The disruption coincided with escalating tensions in Noida, where a workers’ protest in Phase 2 turned violent earlier in the day. Thousands of workers, demanding a salary hike and better working conditions, had been staging a sit-in protest for the past three days. The agitation intensified on Monday as large groups of workers spilled onto the streets across various industrial sectors.
In Sector 62, the large gatherings of workers led to significant traffic snarls, compounding the disruption caused by road blockades near the Delhi-Noida border. Police forces were deployed in large numbers to control the situation and prevent further escalation. Authorities are actively working to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of commuters and industrial establishments.
The unrest persisted despite recent assurances by the district administration. Officials had held meetings with company representatives and workers, pledging action on key demands. District Magistrate Medha Roopam announced new directives to address labor concerns, including mandatory double wages for overtime, provision of a weekly off, and double compensation for work on rest days.
Companies are now required to pay salaries by the 10th of each month, adhere to bonus payment regulations, and transfer wages directly to bank accounts. Employers must provide salary slips, avoid unauthorized deductions, or face strict consequences. A dedicated control room has been established to address workers’ grievances, with an appeal for peaceful conduct, avoidance of rumors, and cooperation with authorities to maintain law and order.
