In a groundbreaking commercial agreement, the premium Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express will officially adopt the title 'Sprite' Tejas Express, marking the first instance of an Indian train formally incorporating a corporate brand name into its operational identity. This temporary branding deal, orchestrated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) with beverage giant Sprite, will run from August 19 to November 11, 2026.
A New Era for Rail Advertising
Under the terms of the Letter of Acceptance, the North Eastern Railway zone has received instructions to refer to the superfast service as the 'Sprite' Tejas Express at all originating, terminating, and en-route stations along its 512-km corridor. Public address systems across the Lucknow-Delhi route will begin echoing the new name, signifying a significant shift in how Indian Railways generates non-fare income.
Beyond Vinyl Wraps: Brand Nomenclature
While external vinyl advertising wraps have been a common sight on trains for years, this arrangement pushes the boundaries of rail monetization. Instead of merely displaying advertisements, the corporate brand will become an integral part of the train's official designation. Rail officials have clarified that despite this identity shift, the train remains a part of the public infrastructure system, with IRCTC managing onboard operations and paying haulage fees to Indian Railways for track and station usage.
About the Tejas Express Service
The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express operates on a six-day weekly schedule, completing its journey in approximately six hours and 15 minutes. This premium service is equipped with fully air-conditioned LHB coaches, offers onboard catering, infotainment options, and provisions for group bookings. The temporary branding serves purely as an expanded advertising avenue, aimed at bolstering non-fare revenues while ensuring standard passenger services continue uninterrupted.