The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express is set to become India’s first privately branded passenger train, with Sprite becoming part of its official train branding. The service will be referred to as the Sprite Tejas Express for a limited period under an advertising arrangement with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
The branding will apply to train numbers 82501 and 82502.
According to railway sources, the IRCTC Tejas Express will be announced as the Sprite Tejas Express from August 19, 2026, to November 11, 2026. The branding will be used in station announcements and advertising linked to the service during this period.
Sprite Branding Comes To Lucknow Delhi Tejas Express
Sprite, a Coca-Cola brand, has secured advertising and branding rights for the Tejas Express. The arrangement includes branding opportunities on the train, including exterior vinyl wrapping, while the train will continue to operate under IRCTC.
The move does not mean that Sprite or Coca-Cola will operate the train. IRCTC will continue to manage and maintain the service, while Indian Railways will continue providing the railway infrastructure used by the train. IRCTC also pays haulage charges for using the railway network.
Tejas Express Branding Opens A New Railway Advertising Route
The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express has been operated by IRCTC since 2019 and is among the premium train services on the Indian Railways network. The semi-high-speed train offers onboard catering and passenger amenities, with its coaches capable of higher speeds than its current operational limit due to track restrictions.
Indian Railways already generates advertising revenue through commercial placements across stations, trains, and other railway properties. The Sprite Tejas Express arrangement expands that model by allowing a commercial brand to become part of a train’s identity for a defined period, creating another avenue for non-fare revenue.
FAQs
- What is the Sprite Tejas Express?
The Sprite Tejas Express is the Lucknow Delhi Tejas Express that will carry Sprite branding under a six-month advertising arrangement.
- Which route does the Sprite Tejas Express operate on?
The train operates between Lucknow and New Delhi, with services running in both directions.
- Is the Sprite Tejas Express a private train?
No. The train continues to be operated by IRCTC. Sprite is only the branding and advertising partner.
- Why is the Tejas Express being branded as Sprite Tejas Express?
The branding is part of a commercial advertising arrangement that allows Sprite to use the train as a branded advertising platform.
- How long will the Sprite branding remain on the train?
The Sprite branding is planned for a period of six months.
