India’s first ‘private, branded’ train to run as ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express
IRCTC awards train branding advertising rights to M/s Sprite for six months; the private train will be announced as ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express at originating and en route stations on both sides of the journey
India's inaugural private train, branded as the 'Sprite' Tejas Express, is set to begin operation between Lucknow and Delhi. Launching on August 19, 2026, the train will operate until November 11, 2026, as a collaboration between the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and M/s Sprite. This marks the first private train in India, named after a brand, following IRCTC's awarding of advertisement and branding rights to Sprite for a six-month period.
The Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express, India's first private train, was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on December 3, 2021. This superfast train offers modern amenities, including extensive onboard food, beverage, and infotainment services, and allows group bookings in AC Chair Car coaches for corporate, social, and family events.
The train's exterior will feature an advertisement wrap similar to other private firms utilizing the railway's infrastructure for branding.
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