For normal cargo an E-Way Bill is valid for 1 day per 200 km (or part of 200 km). For over-dimensional cargo it is 1 day per 20 km. Validity can be extended from 8 hours before to 8 hours after expiry, and since 1 January 2025 total extensions can’t go beyond 360 days from generation.
Validity table (Rule 138(10), CGST Rules)
| Type of cargo | Distance | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Other than over-dimensional cargo | Up to 200 km | 1 day |
| Every additional 200 km or part | +1 day | |
| Over-dimensional cargo (ODC) or multimodal with a ship leg | Up to 20 km | 1 day |
| Every additional 20 km or part | +1 day |
Over-dimensional cargo means a single indivisible unit exceeding the dimensional limits in rule 93 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The 200 km figure replaced the earlier 100 km from 1 January 2021.
Worked examples
| Distance | Cargo | Calculation | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 km | Normal | within first 200 km | 1 day |
| 450 km | Normal | 200 + 200 + 50 (part) | 3 days |
| 610 km | Normal | 3 × 200 + 10 (part) | 4 days |
| 48 km | ODC | 20 + 20 + 8 (part) | 3 days |
How a “day” is counted
Validity is counted from the time Part B is first filled (vehicle details entered), not from when Part A alone was saved. A “day” ends at midnight: the first day runs until midnight of the day immediately following the date of generation, and each further day adds 24 hours.
Extending validity
If goods can’t reach on time (breakdown, accident, transhipment, natural causes), the generator or the transporter assigned to it can extend the E-Way Bill.
- Check the windowExtension is allowed only from 8 hours before expiry until 8 hours after it.
- Log in and open Extend ValidityUnder the e-Waybill menu.
- Enter the EBN and reasonChoose the reason and give remarks.
- Enter current location and remaining distanceThe new validity is calculated on the distance still to travel.
- Update vehicle details if they changedThen submit.
If the 8-hour window has passed, the expired E-Way Bill can’t be extended — a new one has to be generated before the goods move further.
What happens if goods move on an expired E-Way Bill
Movement on an expired E-Way Bill is treated like movement without a valid one. Goods and vehicle can be detained under Section 129 of the CGST Act. See rules and penalties.
FAQs
Is E-Way Bill validity 1 day for every 100 km?
Not any more. Since 1 January 2021 it is 1 day per 200 km for normal cargo. Older articles still show the 100 km rule.
Who can extend an E-Way Bill?
The generator, or the transporter to whom it is assigned.
Can validity be extended after expiry?
Yes, but only up to 8 hours after expiry. After that, generate a new E-Way Bill.
Does Part A alone have validity?
A Part-A slip can be saved and completed later. Validity starts when Part B is filled for the first time.
Related: generate an E-Way Bill · check status