Mumbai, Sep 15 - A key index of Indian equities markets, which opened higher Tuesday on strong global cues, made handsome gains in the afternoon led by realty and metal stocks and closed 240 points up from its previous closing.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,255.42 points, closed at 16,454.45 points, up 240.26 points or 1.48 percent.

The index after six consecutive winning sessions had ended 50 points lower Monday.

The Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also ended in the positive terrain at 4,892.1 points, up 1.74 percent.

Broader market indices also made gains, with the BSE midcap index ending 1.48 percent higher and the BSE smallcap index up 1.33 percent.

The market breadth was positive, with 1801 stocks advancing, 994 declining and 78 remaining unchanged.

Among the gainers were DLF, up 5.2 percent; Hero Honda, up 3.47 percent, Sterlite Industries, up 3.34 percent Hindalco, up 3.3 percent; and Jaiprakash Associates, up 2.92 percent.

The top losers are ONGC, down 0.