Sprite Tejas Express: India’s First Privately Branded Train

India’s railway sector is witnessing a new experiment in train branding and commercial advertising. The Lucknow–Delhi–Lucknow Tejas Express is set to become the country’s first passenger train to officially carry a commercial brand name, taking on the name “Sprite Tejas Express.”

🚆 What is changing?

The train, operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), will carry Sprite branding under an advertising arrangement. Train numbers 82501 and 82502 are scheduled to be announced as the Sprite Tejas Express from August 19 to November 11, 2026.

This is different from ordinary advertisements displayed on trains. Under this arrangement, the commercial brand name will also be used in station announcements at originating and en-route stations.

💰 A new revenue opportunity for Railways

Indian Railways already generates advertising revenue through stations, trains and other railway properties. Train branding could create another commercial opportunity while allowing Railways to generate additional revenue without relying solely on ticket-price increases.

⭐ Why Tejas Express?

The Lucknow–Delhi Tejas Express is a premium, fully air-conditioned service with facilities such as on-board catering and entertainment. Its premium positioning makes it a suitable platform for a high-visibility branding campaign.

🇮🇳 A new chapter in railway marketing

The Sprite Tejas Express could set a precedent for how brands and Indian Railways collaborate in the future. If successful, similar commercial branding partnerships could potentially become another part of railway advertising.