Sprite Tejas Express Becomes India's First Brand-Named Train

Key Facts

• Train: Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express (Train Nos. 82501 and 82502)
• Brand: Sprite, a beverage brand owned by Coca-Cola
• Branding period: August 19, 2026 to November 11, 2026
• Operator: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)
• Indian Railways retains ownership of infrastructure and collects hauling charges
• Train operates under the North Eastern Railway zone
• Tejas Express trains are air-conditioned superfast trains operated by Indian Railways

Background & Context

The Tejas Express series is a premium category of air-conditioned superfast trains introduced by Indian Railways that offers superior travel comfort. The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express became the first train in India to carry a corporate brand name when IRCTC, which manages train branding and services, partnered with Sprite for commercial branding of the train.

Sprite secured the rights for train branding and advertising which includes vinyl wrap advertisements on the exterior train coaches and internal advertisements inside the train. This represents an innovative, non-fare revenue model for Indian Railways.

While the train's branding and service management are handled by IRCTC, Indian Railways retains ownership of the railway infrastructure and collects the standard haulage charges. Railway officials mandated that the train be announced as "Sprite Tejas Express" at originating and en route stations along the journey.

The branding period has been fixed from August 19, 2026, to November 11, 2026. Although there are reports citing variable contract durations such as three or six months, the confirmed branding schedule for this train is within these dates.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

• It marks the first instance of an Indian train carrying a corporate brand name, highlighting innovation in Indian Railways' marketing and revenue generation.
• Demonstrates IRCTC's expanded role beyond catering and tourism to include operational and commercial management of trains.
• Highlights the concept and features of Tejas Express trains as premium air-conditioned superfast Indian Railways services.
• Illustrates emerging non-fare revenue streams in Indian Railways through advertising and branding rights.
• Relevant for topics related to Indian Railways modernization, public-private partnerships, and transport marketing strategies.

Points to Remember

• Train numbers 82501 (Lucknow to Delhi) and 82502 (Delhi to Lucknow) correspond to the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express now branded as Sprite Tejas Express.
• IRCTC manages train operation and branding under a commercial agreement while Indian Railways retains infrastructure ownership.
• The train is operated under the North Eastern Railway zone.
• Branding started on August 19, 2026 and will continue until November 11, 2026.
• This branding initiative incorporates external vinyl wraps and internal advertisements, marking a new non-fare revenue model for Indian Railways.
• Non-fare revenue models include advertising and branding which help diversify Indian Railways' income streams beyond ticket fares.
• IRCTC stands for Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation and plays a key role in managing service, branding, and marketing aspects for select trains.