2 weeks ago
Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express Rebranded as Sprite Tejas Express
A famous train in India is getting a new name for a few months.
The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express will be called the 'Sprite' Tejas Express, like the fizzy drink.
This is because a big beverage company is paying to put its name on the train.
Trains usually make extra money by having pictures and ads painted on the outside.
This time, the company's name becomes part of the train's name at stations too.
The train will keep its new name from August 19 until November 11, 2026.
It is a special, comfortable train with air conditioning and food served onboard.
It takes about six hours and 15 minutes to travel between the two cities.
The train is still part of the public railway system.
The railway says this is just a way to earn more money while passengers get the same good service.
The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express will temporarily operate as the 'Sprite' Tejas Express from August 19 to November 11, 2026, under a commercial agreement.
The North Eastern Railway zone was instructed to use the corporate brand title at originating, terminating, and en-route stations.
The arrangement extends rail monetisation beyond exterior vinyl advertising wraps into brand nomenclature to generate non-fare income.
The premium service runs on a 512-km corridor in roughly six hours and 15 minutes, offering fully air-conditioned LHB coaches, onboard catering, infotainment, and group booking provisions.
IRCTC manages onboard operations and pays haulage fees to Indian Railways, while the train remains part of the public infrastructure system with a six-day weekly schedule.
- Who
- North Eastern Railway zone, IRCTC, and Indian Railways, with beverage giant Sprite as the corporate brand partner.
- What
- The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express was temporarily renamed the 'Sprite' Tejas Express under a commercial branding agreement to boost non-fare revenue.
- Where
- The Lucknow-Delhi corridor in India, including originating, terminating, and en-route stations of the North Eastern Railway zone.
- When
- From August 19 to November 11, 2026.
- Why
- To expand rail monetisation into brand nomenclature and generate additional non-fare income while keeping passenger services unchanged.
Key facts
- Train
- Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express (temporarily 'Sprite' Tejas Express)
- Brand Partner
- Sprite (beverage giant)
- Agreement Period
- August 19 to November 11, 2026
- Route Length
- 512 km
- Travel Time
- Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes
- Amenities
- Fully air-conditioned LHB coaches, onboard catering, infotainment, group booking provisions
- Operator
- IRCTC (pays haulage fees to Indian Railways)
- Service Frequency
- Six days per week
Sources
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