Ludhiana, Jan. 28 -- Members of the Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union, along with local residents, on Monday staged a protest at the Ladhowal Toll Plaza, throwing it open to traffic for nearly four hours to press for the immediate commencement of long-pending infrastructure works.

The demonstrators demanded the start of construction of the dhussi bundh at Sasrali and the reconstruction of Rahon Road. The protest began around noon and continued till about 4 pm, during which all vehicles were allowed to pass without paying toll.

Among the costliest toll plazas in the region, Ladhowal witnessed a rare suspension of toll collection, drawing the attention of commuters and officials alike.

Union president Dilbagh Singh said repeated meetings wit...