Tejas Express gets a Sprite makeover (Image for Representation)
NEW DELHI: The Lucknow–Delhi Tejas Express, widely known as India’s first private train, will operate under a commercial brand name for the first time. From August 19 to November 11, 2026, the service will be announced as the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express at stations along its route.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which operates the train, has awarded advertising and train-branding rights to Sprite (a unit of Coca-Cola India Private Limited) for a period of six months.
Branding Arrangement
Under the agreement, vinyl wrapping featuring Sprite advertisements will be applied to five coaches of the train. The North Eastern Railway has been directed to announce Train numbers 82501/82502 as the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express at originating and en-route stations in both directions during the specified period.
This marks the first instance in India where a train will be officially announced by a commercial brand name. While exterior advertising wraps on trains have been permitted earlier as a revenue measure, naming the train after a brand is a new development.
About the Tejas Express
The Lucknow–Delhi Tejas Express was launched in 2019 and is operated and maintained by IRCTC. It is often described as India’s first private train because IRCTC runs the service, though the railway infrastructure; tracks, stations and related facilities, remains under Indian Railways. IRCTC pays hauling charges to the Railways for the use of this infrastructure.
The fully air-conditioned train offers modern onboard facilities, including food and beverage services and infotainment. It is also popular for group travel, with the option to book an entire AC Chair Car coach (78 seats) for corporate events, weddings and other occasions.
Route and Schedule Details
The train covers a distance of 512 km in 6 hours and 35 minutes. It runs six days a week (except Tuesdays).
• Train 82502 departs New Delhi at 3:30 pm and reaches Lucknow Junction at 10:05 pm.
• Train 82501 leaves Lucknow at 6:10 am and arrives in New Delhi at 12:35 pm.
It has stoppages at Ghaziabad, Tundla Junction and Kanpur Central.
The branding deal highlights a new avenue for commercial partnerships on premium trains operated by IRCTC. While the train continues to be managed by IRCTC and runs on Indian Railways infrastructure, the temporary association with Sprite introduces a novel form of brand visibility in the railway sector.
The ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express branding will remain in place until November 11, 2026, after which the service is expected to revert to its regular name.
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