New Delhi, April 2 -- India's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in eight months in March, driven by strong demand and a sharp rise in output, according to a private survey released Wednesday.

The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose to 58.1 in March from 56.3 in February and 57.7 in January. The index was 56.4 in December and 56.5 in November. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

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"The latest reading showed a substantial improvement in the health of the (manufacturing) sector that was above its long-run average," the survey said. "March saw total sales expand to...