** Consumer durables NIFTY .NIFCODU rises 0.66% as India reduces GST on ACs, dishwashers, and many TVs to 18% from 28%

** Sub-index set to rise for sixth straight session

** Cut bodes well from long-term perspective for sector, especially for AC companies as it is significantly under-penetrated - ICICI Securities

** Adds, Voltas VOLT.NS, Blue Star BLUS.NS and Whirlpool WHIR.NS direct beneficiaries, as festive season looms

** VOLT down 0.7%; WHIR, BLUS rise 1.8% and 1.4%, respectively

** Footwear retailer Bata India BATA.NS gains most on index at 6.3%; Goldman Sachs says GST on 40% of Bata's sales under 1,000 rupees will drop to 5% from 12%, most of rest under 2,500 rupees will move to 5% from 18%

** Index up 8.4% since GST plans announced on Aug 15

(Reporting by Urvi Dugar)

((UrviManoj.Dugar@thomsonreuters.com))