New Delhi, Sept. 23 — The rollout of GST 2.0 on Monday, coinciding with the first day of Navratri, triggered a nationwide shopping spree, with record-breaking sales reported across industries. The new regime — which slashes tax slabs, lowers prices and removes compensation cess on small cars — was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a reform dedicated to the people of India.”
Government officials said the reforms turned the festive season into a bonanza of savings, delivering immediate relief on essentials and fueling demand in automobiles, e-commerce and consumer durables.
The automobile sector emerged as the standout performer. With smaller sub-4 meter cars now taxed at 18% and no compensation cess, carmakers recorded their strongest-ever single-day sales.
Maruti Suzuki reported 80,000 inquiries and 30,000 deliveries, its best performance in 35 years. Bookings for small cars surged by 50% compared with typical festive rates. Hyundai billed 11,000 vehicles in a day, the highest in five years, while Tata Motors delivered 10,000 cars and logged more than 25,000 inquiries.
“For countless families, GST 2.0 turned long-deferred dreams of car ownership into reality,” a senior official said.
Online platforms also recorded an extraordinary rush. Amazon and Flipkart, both launching festive sales for loyalty members on Monday, reported robust traction.
Fashion retailers saw a sharp lift — The Pant Project logged a 15–20% jump over last year, Snitch recorded a 40% rise in orders, and Shadow Etail reported a 151% traffic surge for home essentials.
Electronics also rode the wave, with split ACs cheaper by ₹3,000–5,000 and premium TVs reduced by up to ₹85,000. Haier nearly doubled its usual Monday sales, Blue Star reported a 20% gain, and Super Plastronics said sales of 43-inch and 55-inch TVs jumped by 30–35%.
Officials described GST 2.0 as more than just a tax reform — “a festival of savings” that revived demand and cut household expenses. From groceries and fashion to cars and air conditioners, every sector felt the surge in consumer enthusiasm.
PM Modi called the reform the “real Diwali gift” to citizens, saying it had delivered joy, affordability and a vibrant start to Navratri.
