The Quick Estimate of the IIP stood at 118.9 in April 2026, compared to 113.1 in the corresponding month last year. The revised series replaces the previous 2011-12 base year and incorporates an updated product basket, revised weightings, and broader sectoral coverage to better capture the evolving structure of the Indian economy.

 

Manufacturing emerged as the key driver of industrial growth, recording a 6.2 percent increase during the month. Water supply, sewerage and waste management registered the highest sectoral growth at 6.6 percent, followed by electricity and gas supply at 4.9 percent. In contrast, mining and quarrying contracted by 5.1 percent.

 

Within manufacturing, 17 of the 23 industry groups recorded positive growth. The strongest performers were electrical equipment, which expanded by 19.2 percent year-on-year, followed by machinery and equipment at 12.9 percent and motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers at 12.7 percent. Growth in the automobile sector was supported by increased production of passenger vehicles, auto components and wheel rims, while the electrical equipment segment benefited from higher output of transformers, switchgear and circuit protection equipment.

 

Under the use-based classification, capital goods emerged as the fastest-growing category, posting a robust 16 percent increase in April. Intermediate goods rose by 7.7 percent, infrastructure and construction goods by 7.1 percent, consumer durables by 4.3 percent, and consumer non-durables by 2.8 percent. Primary goods recorded a modest growth of 0.8 percent.

 

Industry leaders welcomed the data as a positive indicator for economic activity. Nirmal Kumar Minda, President of ASSOCHAM, said the strong performance of capital goods signals enhanced investment activity and healthy aggregate demand. He added that growth in intermediate goods and infrastructure-related sectors is expected to support overall GDP expansion in the coming months.

 

Rajeev Juneja, President of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), noted that India's industrial sector has become increasingly diversified and technology-oriented, and that the revised IIP series provides a more accurate reflection of current production patterns. PHDCCI CEO and Secretary General Dr. Ranjeet Mehta also highlighted that the broader sectoral coverage would improve industrial assessment for investors and policymakers.

 

The revised IIP framework, developed under the guidance of the Technical Advisory Committee for Base Year Revision, is expected to provide a more representative measure of industrial performance while ensuring greater accuracy in tracking India's evolving industrial landscape.