India's First Branded Train: Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express Gets 'Sprite' Makeover

The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express is set to become India's first train to be officially associated with a commercial brand name. The train will now be referred to as the 'Sprite Tejas Express' during station announcements, starting from August 19, 2026, and ending on November 11, 2026.

The branding deal between Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Coca-Cola is part of a wider effort to generate advertising revenue by offering branding opportunities across railway assets. Under the agreement, Coca-Cola will promote its popular soft drink brand Sprite through the Tejas Express.

Although Coca-Cola has been given advertising and branding rights for the train, it does not mean that they will operate the train. The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express will continue to be operated by IRCTC, and the branding is mainly an advertising initiative rather than a change in ownership or operation of the train.