Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express: IRCTC has Decided to Brand its Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express as the Sprite Tejas

India's first private and branded train is set to get a new name. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has decided to brand its Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express as the 'Sprite' Tejas Express for a limited period.

Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express with a New Branding Initiative

The branding will be in place for nearly three months, from August 19 to November 11, 2026. The decision comes after IRCTC awarded the advertising rights for the train's branding to Sprite for six months. Railway officials have informed the North Eastern Railway that Train Nos. 82501 and 82502 should be announced as the Sprite Tejas Express during this period.

The brand name will be used at the train's starting stations as well as at stations along the route in both directions. This is the first time in India that a train is being named after a commercial brand as part of a branding and advertising arrangement.

The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express is operated by IRCTC and is considered India's first private train. It was launched in 2021 and was flagged off by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on December 3 that year. The fully air-conditioned train offers several modern facilities, including onboard food and beverage services and entertainment options.

The Tejas Express also allows group bookings. Groups travelling for corporate meetings, weddings, social events and other occasions can book an entire AC Chair Car coach, which has 78 seats. Although IRCTC operates the train, it still uses Indian Railways infrastructure. IRCTC pays the Railways for services such as the use of tracks, stations and other facilities.

Railway officials said train branding is an additional source of revenue. While advertisements have previously been placed on the exterior of regular railway coaches, this is the first instance where an entire train has been given a brand name.