E-way bill generation saw a 12 percent increase in April compared to the same month last fiscal year, as indicated by data from GST Network. However, this figure reflects a 5 percent decrease on a month-on-month basis.
The total number of e-way bills generated reached 13.34 crore in April, up from 11.93 crore in April last year but down from an all-time high of 14 crore in March. The recent figures may influence GST collections in May, with official data scheduled for release on June 1. Actual GST collection will depend on consumption levels, as GST is destination-based; services and the movement of goods below a certain threshold are excluded from e-way bill generation.
Officials indicate that the observed trend is normal, suggesting that the ongoing crisis in West Asia has not significantly affected demand thus far. Manoj Mishra, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, noted that the 12 percent year-on-year growth in e-way bill generation for April reflects sustained economic activity, healthy goods movement, and ongoing formalization within trade and supply chains under GST.
Mishra added that the decrease compared to March figures is likely seasonal. March generally experiences heightened business activity due to year-end sales pushes, inventory adjustments, and company closures. “The sequential cooling-off in volumes with the onset of the new financial year in April is standard and does not imply a deceleration in consumption or trade momentum. Overall, e-way bill data continues to indicate stable domestic demand and improvements in tax compliance, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and consumption-linked sectors,” he stated.
An e-way bill serves as an electronic document generated via a portal, evidencing the movement of goods and confirming that taxes have been paid. According to Rule 138 of the CGST Rules, 2017, any registered individual involved in transporting goods valued over ₹50,000—rules may vary for intra-state movements—must generate an e-way bill.
Published on May 9, 2026.
