Noida Protest For Salary Hike Turns Violent; Workers Torch Vehicles, Clash With Police
Workers launched violent protests over salary disputes, clashing with police, blocking roads, and setting vehicles on fire, causing widespread disruption across several sectors in Noida.
Published : April 13, 2026 at 11:14 AM IST
|Updated : April 13, 2026 at 4:55 PM IST
New Delhi/Noida: Widespread unrest broke out in Noida and Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh on Monday as workers from multiple companies staged protests demanding salary hikes, with incidents of vandalism, stone-pelting and arson reported across key industrial areas. The protests echo similar agitations that began in Haryana's Manesar on April 2.
The situation turned volatile in Noida Phase 2, where employees gathered to press for wage increases, but soon turned aggressive, damaging vehicles and property. Visuals from the spot show burning vehicles and heavy police deployment, as thousands of workers occupied the streets, creating a tense law-and-order situation.
Senior police leadership, including the UP Director General of Police (DGP), is monitoring the situation closely from the control room.
Protests Spread Across Multiple Locations
The agitation quickly spread to other areas. In Sector 84 near the Motherson company, Sector 60 and parts of Phase 2, protesting workers resorted to vandalism, stone-pelting and set vehicles on fire. Demonstrations were also reported in Noida Sector 15 outside the Indian Oil building, indicating the unrest had expanded beyond a single site.
Large gatherings were also reported in Sector 62, where workers blocked key roads leading towards Sector 16 and stretches of NH-9. Protesters raised slogans and staged sit-ins across industrial belts, halting normal activity.
The protest has also spread in Sectors 60, 57, 63, 64, 65 and 59. Protesters have blocked the road and are raising slogans.
Officials said the protests had been building over the past few days, with workers from multiple private manufacturing units joining hands over common demands related to wages and working conditions.
Workers Speak: 'How Do We Survive on Rs 12,000?'
Workers alleged that companies had misled them in the name of salary increments and said their current wages are inadequate amid rising inflation and living costs. A protester said, “We have been working for years, yet our salary is stuck at Rs 10,000-Rs 12,000. Even after overtime, it barely reaches Rs 14,000. How can we survive?”
Another worker said, “Room rent alone is Rs 5,000. Then there is ration, transport and children’s education. There is no way to manage expenses at this salary.”
A group of workers claimed, “We work 12-16 hours, but don’t get proper benefits. We want a minimum salary of Rs 20,000-Rs 25,000 and double overtime without deductions.”
A female employee added, “Even basic needs are difficult to meet. Prices are the same for everyone, but our salaries are not.”
Violence, Clashes And Tear Gas
As the protest intensified, clashes broke out between workers and police in multiple areas, including Greater Noida’s Ecotech zone. Protesters allegedly pelted stones, while police resorted to crowd-control measures, including firing tear gas shells.
Vehicles were torched and properties vandalised in several locations, further escalating tensions. Videos from the scene showed chaotic visuals, with police attempting to disperse large crowds and restore order.
Police officials said the situation is under control but remains sensitive.
“The situation is under control and being continuously monitored. Efforts are being made to counsel workers and maintain peace. Minimum force is being used wherever necessary,” police said.
Security Tightened, DGP Issues Strong Warning
Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna issued a stern warning, saying police are actively identifying those responsible for instigating violence during the protests. “Provocative elements and external elements involved in inciting unrest are being identified. Strict legal action will be taken against them,” the DGP said.
He added that the situation is being closely monitored from the state control room, with senior officers, including top law-and-order officials, tracking developments in real time.
Officials said leaves of all police personnel in Gautam Buddh Nagar have been cancelled, and additional forces have been rushed from neighbouring districts to handle the situation.
Heavy deployment of Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units has been made across sensitive industrial zones, while barricading has been intensified at key entry and exit points connecting Noida with Delhi.
A senior police officer said, “Delhi Police is fully alert and adequate force has been deployed at all strategic locations. Strict vigil is being maintained to ensure no anti-social elements take advantage of the situation.”
Police teams have also been deployed at all major border points, with thorough vehicle checks being conducted to prevent any spillover of violence into Delhi. “We are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance. No one will be allowed to breach law and order,” the officer added.
UP Police Issues Warning, Monitoring Situation via Social Media
The Uttar Pradesh Police, in an official update on the social media platform X, said the situation is being closely monitored and that action is being taken against those responsible for inciting violence. “Provocative elements and external elements are being identified. Strict legal action will be taken,” the police said in the post.
Officials added that senior leadership, including DGP Rajeev Krishna and top law-and-order officers, are monitoring developments in real time from the control room in Lucknow.
Police said multiple teams have been deployed across industrial areas and key border points to prevent the unrest from spreading further. Surveillance has been intensified, and strict vigilance is being maintained across sensitive zones.
Authorities also urged the public not to believe in rumours circulating on social media and to rely only on official updates, as efforts continue to restore normalcy in affected areas.
Protests, Injuries And Administrative Measures
Fresh demonstrations erupted on Monday morning in Sector 62, where factory workers blocked roads leading to Sector 16 and NH-9, further disrupting traffic. Videos showed chaotic scenes, with allegations of police lathicharge and injuries to several workers, including women.
Amid the unrest, Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate (DM) Megha Rupam chaired a high-level meeting and announced measures, including double overtime pay, mandatory weekly holidays, salary disbursement by the tenth of each month, and bonus payments by November 30. A control room will be set up to address labour grievances.
Heavy police deployment continues across sensitive areas, with magistrates stationed on the ground and drone surveillance underway to prevent further escalation.
Severe Traffic Disruption At Delhi-Noida Border
Commuters faced a harrowing Monday morning as massive traffic jams brought vehicular movement to a near standstill at the Delhi-Noida border following the protest.
Congestion was reported on key arterial routes, including NH-9, severely disrupting office-hour traffic. Long queues of vehicles stretched for several kilometres, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Police said members of a labour union gathered near the border, blocking parts of the road and slowing traffic movement. Personnel from Delhi Police and Noida Police were deployed to manage the situation and divert traffic, but the heavy volume of traffic worsened congestion.
Commuters Say
Frustrated commuters took to X, complaining they were still stuck even after leaving early for work.
A commuter who was on her way to office in Delhi said, “As soon as I reached Sector 15, around 8.30-8.35 am, traffic was suddenly stopped by the protesters. They had taken to the streets and were shouting various slogans, including 'salary badhao'. The traffic policemen arrived and blocked the roads that led to the Delhi-Noida border. There seemed to be no end to the protest.”
One private company employee said she left home at 7.30 am, but remained stuck for over an hour. “There was no movement at all. People were getting out of vehicles to see what’s happening,” she said. Authorities said efforts are underway to clear the congestion and restore normal traffic flow.
"The situation is under control, and is being continuously surveilled. Efforts are being made to counsel the workers and maintain peace. Minimum force is being used wherever necessary to maintain law and order," police said in a statement.
Authorities Appeal For Calm
Authorities said efforts are underway to restore normalcy and clear congestion, while urging the public not to pay heed to rumours. “The situation is being closely monitored. We appeal to people to remain patient and cooperate with authorities,” officials said.
Security remains tight across industrial zones and border points as officials continue efforts to prevent further escalation and bring the situation under control.
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