A method, a query optimizer, and computer program product are provided for implementing live switchover to a temporary sparse index for faster query performance. A first plan using an existing index is used for processing a query. A temporary sparse index is built for the query simultaneously with the first plan processing the query. When the temporary sparse index is built, processing the query with the first plan is stopped and a live switchover to the temporary sparse index is provided. Then a second plan using the temporary sparse index is used to continue processing the query at a point where processing stopped with the first plan.