Last Updated: October 1, 2026

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  • Ludhiana Protest: Cashless Toll Policy Sparks Outrage

    April 11, 2026

    Ludhiana Protest: Cashless Toll Policy Sparks Outrage
    Ludhiana, April 11: The Toll Plaza Workers’ Union of Punjab has launched a protest against the central government’s new cashless policy. On Saturday, at the Kalajhar Toll Plaza located on the Patiala-Sangrur road, union members raised vociferous slogans against the Central Government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and staged a demonstration of protest by burning an effigy.
    The union has issued a stern warning, stating that if this policy is not immediately withdrawn, all toll plazas across Punjab will be made toll-free indefinitely starting April 15.

    Government Refusing to Accept Its Own Currency

    Union leaders stated that the Central Government intends to completely discontinue the acceptance of cash at toll plazas, making payment mandatory solely through UPI and Net Banking. The leaders alleged that the government is refusing to accept its own country’s currency—an act they termed as highly reprehensible.
    Trouble Looms for the General Public
    The protesters argue that a significant portion of the country remains unconnected to the online payment system. For residents of rural areas and elderly travelers, relying solely on digital payments is simply not feasible. They contend that the implementation of a cashless policy will lead to increased disputes between travelers and staff at toll plazas, subjecting the general public to severe mental and financial distress.

    April 15th Ultimatum

    Union leaders have made it clear that this protest is merely the beginning. They have issued a warning to the NHAI and the Central Government: if their demands are not addressed and this decision is not revoked, all toll barriers across Punjab will be dismantled starting April 15th, allowing vehicles to pass through freely without paying any toll tax. A large number of workers were present at the event, and they announced their intention to further intensify the struggle in the days to come.

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