India’s First Branded Private Train To Run As ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express From August 19
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
India’s first private, branded train is set to get a new identity, with the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express to operate as the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express for nearly three months under an advertising arrangement between IRCTC and the beverage brand.
‘Sprite’ Tejas Express From August 19
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has awarded advertisement rights for branding the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express to M/s Sprite for six months.
Following the award, the North Eastern Railway has been directed to announce Train 82501/82502 as the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express from August 19 to November 11, 2026, according to railway sources.
The branding will be announced at originating and en-route stations on both sides of the journey.
First Train To Be Named After A Brand
A senior Railway official said this is the first time a train is being named after a commercial brand.
The branding rights were awarded through a Letter of Acceptance. While the Tejas Express is operated by IRCTC as a private train, the corporation pays Indian Railways hauling charges covering the use of railway infrastructure, including tracks and stations.
Tejas Express Offers Premium Facilities
The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express was launched as IRCTC’s own fully air-conditioned superfast train, equipped with modern passenger facilities.
According to IRCTC, the train offers on-board food and beverage services along with infotainment facilities. It also permits group bookings for passengers travelling for corporate meetings, weddings and other social events.
Entire AC Chair Car coaches can be booked for groups, with each coach having 78 seats.
Railways Expanding Train Branding As Revenue Model
The Railways has previously allowed exterior advertising wraps on coaches of regular trains as an income-generating measure, allowing private companies to promote their brands on railway services.
The ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express arrangement takes that branding model a step further by attaching the commercial brand to the train’s public identity for a specified period.
The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express was flagged off by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on December 3, 2021, and has since operated as one of IRCTC’s premium train services.
