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

The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express, train numbers 82501 and 82502, will run as the Sprite Tejas Express under a commercial branding arrangement. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation manages the train’s branding and services, while Indian Railways continues to own the railway infrastructure and collect standard hauling charges.

Tejas Express and IRCTC

Tejas Express is a category of air-conditioned superfast trains operated under the Indian Railways network. The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express became the first private corporate train in India when IRCTC took charge of its operation and service management.

Branding Rights and Non-Fare Revenue

Sprite, a beverage brand of Coca-Cola, secured the train-branding and advertising rights for the route. The arrangement allows exterior vinyl wraps and internal advertisements inside the train, and it is used as a non-fare revenue model in the railway sector.

Route, Operations and Public Railway Control

The train runs between Lucknow and New Delhi under the North Eastern Railway zone. Railway officials directed that the train be announced as the Sprite Tejas Express at originating and en route stations during its journey.

Important Facts for Exams

• IRCTC stands for Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation.
• Tejas Express trains are air-conditioned superfast trains in India.
• Train numbers 82501 and 82502 are associated with the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express.
• Non-fare revenue in Indian Railways includes advertising and branding rights.

Commercial Term and Branding Period

The active branding period is scheduled from 19 August 2026 to 11 November 2026. Reports mentioned different contract durations, including three months and six months, but the branding schedule for the train is fixed for the stated period.