Noida, Apr 13 — A labour protest in Noida turned violent on Monday, disrupting traffic and metro services across key stretches, including NH-9 and the Noida–Greater Noida corridor, officials said.
Clashes broke out after sections of protesting workers moved toward NH-9, leading to stone-pelting and arson. Several private vehicles and buses were set ablaze, while a police vehicle was overturned during the unrest. Forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd and regain control, officials said.
“The situation escalated when a section of protesters became aggressive. We had to use tear gas to bring it under control,” a police officer said.
The agitation, led by workers of the Motherson Group, entered its third day, with demonstrators blocking arterial roads in Phase-2 and Sectors 59 to 62. Metro services in the industrial belt were hit, and thousands of commuters were stranded for hours.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as clashes erupted. “There was panic everywhere. Vehicles were being damaged and people were running for safety,” a commuter said.
Workers said low wages and long working hours had pushed them to protest. “We are being paid between Rs 9,000 and Rs 13,000 despite working 12-hour shifts. With rising inflation, it has become impossible to manage,” a protester said.
Authorities said security has been tightened in the affected areas, though traffic congestion continued through the day. Efforts are underway to restore normalcy and address the workers’ concerns.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police sounded a high alert across the national capital following the violence. Additional personnel were deployed at key entry points from Uttar Pradesh, with strict vehicle checks in place to prevent any spillover.
“Teams have been deployed at all major border points. We are maintaining strict vigil to ensure law and order,” a senior officer said.