Some segments faced headwinds during the same period.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has launched India's first trial Index of Services Production to track monthly activity within the formal services economy. This inaugural index uses 2024-25 as the base year and covers 19 sub-sectors, which collectively account for approximately 60 per cent of the country's total services output.

By providing a high-frequency indicator for this dominant economic driver, the government aims to strengthen its statistical framework. Officials noted that the index offers a vital tool for policymakers and researchers to monitor short-term movements, similar to how the Index of Industrial Production tracks manufacturing.

The trial data for April 2026 revealed broad-based expansion, with 14 of the 19 sub-sectors recording double-digit year-on-year growth. Leading the performance were accommodation and food services, which surged by 37.2 per cent, followed by retail trade at 30.8 per cent, administrative and support services at 28.7 per cent, and real estate at 27.7 per cent.

Conversely, some segments faced headwinds during the same period. Air transport recorded a contraction of 13.9 per cent, while railway transport experienced a marginal decline of 0.4 per cent.

The ministry compiled these figures using GST records and administrative data without imposing new compliance burdens on businesses. Future updates will be released on the 29th of every month.