India’s first ‘private, branded’ train, launched by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) between Lucknow and Delhi, will run as the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express.

After IRCTC awarded advertisement rights through train branding of the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express to M/s Sprite for a period of six months, the North Eastern Railway was told that Train 82501/82502 Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow IRCTC Tejas Express should be announced as the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express from August 19, 2026 to November 11, 2026, sources in the Railways said.

The advertisement through train branding was given by way of a Letter of Acceptance. The private train will be announced as ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express at originating and en route stations on both sides of the journey, sources told The Hindu on Wednesday (August 12, 2026). 

The country’s first private train was flagged off by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on December 3, 2021.

The much publicised IRCTC’s own fully air-conditioned superfast train is equipped with modern facilities. It has an extensive on-board food/beverage and infotainment services, the IRCTC said.

Group booking is allowed in the train where passengers travelling in groups to attend corporate meetings, marriages, social events, etc., could book an entire AC Chair Car coach having 78 seats.

“This is the first time that a train is being named after a brand. Though the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express is a private train, IRCTC pays Indian Railways hauling charges, which includes the use of its infrastructure, such as tracks, railway stations, etc.,” a senior Railways official said.

An exterior advertisement wrap of coaches was allowed in regular trains operated by the Railways as an income-generating measure, enabling private firms to showcase their brand on trains, the official said.

Published - August 12, 2026 10:49 pm IST