LUCKNOW. The Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express is set for a unique commercial makeover, becoming India’s first passenger train to be formally named after a commercial brand. Under an advertising agreement between IRCTC and Sprite, Train Nos. 82501 and 82502 will be branded as the ‘Sprite Tejas Express’ from August 19 to November 11, 2026. During this period, the North Eastern Railway has been directed to announce the service by its temporary branded name at originating and en-route stations.
The initiative follows IRCTC awarding the train’s advertising rights to Sprite through a Letter of Acceptance and is part of the Railways’ efforts to expand commercial advertising and generate additional revenue from its assets. The branding is strictly temporary, with the train expected to return to its regular Tejas Express identity after November 11. The move represents an unusual branding experiment while highlighting the potential of railway services as platforms for commercial partnerships.
Despite sometimes being described as a private train, the Tejas Express is operated by IRCTC, which pays Indian Railways hauling charges for using railway infrastructure. The fully air-conditioned premium service offers onboard catering and passenger amenities, along with group-booking options, including entire AC Chair Car coaches for corporate events and weddings. The service was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on December 3, 2021.
