Noida: Traffic movement between Delhi and Noida was severely disrupted on Monday after a workers’ protest in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddha Nagar district escalated into violence, prompting authorities to issue an advisory and divert commuters.
According to the Delhi Traffic Police, traffic congestion intensified along the Noida Link Road due to an ongoing agitation by workers from private factories. Protesters reportedly blocked the route coming from the Chilla Border, severely affecting vehicular movement from Delhi towards Noida.
In its advisory, the traffic police urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance and avoid the affected stretch. Travellers heading towards Noida were advised to use alternative routes, including the DND Flyway from Sarai Kale Khan or the NH-24 route via Kondli Bridge, entering 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 improved working conditions, had been staging a sit-in protest for the past three days. On Monday, the agitation intensified as large groups spilled onto the streets across multiple industrial sectors.
In Sector 62, large gatherings of workers led to massive traffic snarls, compounding the disruption already 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 working to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of commuters and industrial establishments.
The unrest comes despite recent assurances by the district administration. On Sunday, officials held meetings with representatives of companies and workers, promising action on key demands.
District Magistrate Medha Roopam stated that new directives had been issued to address labour concerns. These include mandatory double wages for overtime, provision of a weekly off, and double compensation if workers are required to work on rest days.
She added that all companies must pay salaries by the 10th of every month, ensure bonus payments as per rules, and credit wages directly into bank accounts. Employers have also been instructed to provide salary slips and avoid unauthorised deductions, failing which, strict action will be taken.
A dedicated control room has been set up to address workers’ grievances. The administration has appealed to workers to remain peaceful, avoid rumours, and cooperate with authorities to maintain law and order.
(IANS)
