Extending gains for the third day, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose over 61 points in opening trade on Thursday on the back of increased buying by foreign funds and retail investors ahead of the Rail Budget to be announced later in the day.

Besides, covering-up of short positions in view of February’s expiry in the derivatives segment, supported the upside.

The 30-share barometer, which had gained 32.88 points in the previous two sessions, rose by 61.14 points, or 0.21 percent, to 29,069.13.

Similarly, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 18.80 points, or 0.21 percent, to 8,786.05.

Brokers said increased buying by funds and retail investors ahead of the Rail Budget, influenced trading sentiments.

Stocks of companies related to Railways such as Titagarh Wagon and BEML rose by 0.79 percent each at Rs 583.80 and Rs 987.90, respectively.

Besides, oil & gas, realty, capital goods, consumer durables, metal and auto stocks were in some demand, accounting for most of the gains on both Sensex and Nifty.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down by 0.26 percent, while Japan’s Nikkei index was up by 0.55 percent in early trade today.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.13 percent lower in yesterday’s trade.