India's first private branded train is here: Meet the 'Sprite' Tejas Express

The Tejas Express between Lucknow and Delhi was launched in 2019 and was promoted as a premium, modern rail service.The next time you board the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express, the train may have a slightly different name. For around three months, the popular service is set to be called the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express, making it the first train in India to officially carry a commercial brand name.The Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express is operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). According to railway sources cited by The Hindu, IRCTC has awarded advertising and train-branding rights to Sprite for six months.The North Eastern Railway has been asked to announce Train 82501/82502 as the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express from August 19 to November 11, 2026.FIRST TRAIN TO CARRY A BRAND NAMEThe branding deal marks a first for Indian Railways. While companies have advertised on trains and railway properties before, this arrangement will see the train being announced by a commercial brand name at stations. According to railway officials cited in the report, the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express will be announced at its originating and en-route stations in both directions.The branding rights were reportedly awarded through a Letter of Acceptance issued by IRCTC.IS TEJAS EXPRESS A PRIVATE TRAIN? The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express is often described as India's first private train because it is operated by IRCTC rather than directly by Indian Railways.However, the railway infrastructure remains with Indian Railways. IRCTC pays the Railways for using facilities such as railway tracks and stations.The branding arrangement does not mean that Sprite or any other private company will operate the train. Instead, it is an advertising arrangement that allows a brand to use permitted spaces on the train and associated railway assets.The latest deal simply adds a commercial brand name to the train for a fixed period.WHEN WAS LUCKNOW-DELHI TEJAS EXPRESS LAUNCHED?The Tejas Express between Lucknow and Delhi was launched in 2019 and was promoted as a premium, modern rail service.It is fully air-conditioned and offers services such as on-board food and beverages and infotainment. The train has also been used by groups travelling for corporate events, weddings and other occasions.IRCTC allows passengers to book an entire AC Chair Car coach for group travel. Each coach has 78 seats.- EndsPublished By: Jasmine anandPublished On: Aug 13, 2026 18:38 IST