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

The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express, known as India's first private train, has been renamed the "Sprite Tejas Express" after IRCTC awarded advertising rights for the train to Sprite, a unit of Coca-Cola India. Introduced in 2019, this semi-high-speed train has been operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for the past seven years and remains the first corporate train to run on the Indian Railways network.

Lucknow-Delhi Sprite Tejas Express is the first Train to Be Named After a brand

This marks the first time an Indian train has been officially branded and named after a corporate sponsor. As part of the agreement, Sprite will carry out advertising on the train for six months, with vinyl wrapping featuring Sprite branding applied to five coaches. During this period, the train will also be announced as "Sprite Tejas Express" at every station along its route. 

About India's First Private Train Tejas Express

1. India's first private/corporate-operated train is the Lucknow-New Delhi Tejas Express, run by IRCTC.
2. Launched in October 2019, it covers 512 km between Lucknow and Delhi in around 6 hours and 35 minutes, operating six days a week under train numbers 82501/82502. 
3. The Tejas Express coaches, built at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab, are designed to run at speeds up to 200 kmph, though current track conditions limit it to a maximum of 160 kmph. 
4. While IRCTC manages and operates the train, it pays haulage and infrastructure charges to Indian Railways for using the tracks.

Onboard Features & Facilities of Lucknow-New Delhi Tejas Express

Onboard, the train offers fully air-conditioned AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car coaches, along with automatic sliding doors and passenger infotainment screens. 

Passengers get flight-like hospitality with onboard meal and beverage service, and the train also offers a full-coach group booking option for 78 seats, useful for weddings, social gatherings, or corporate events.

Sprite Tejas Express: Distance and Travel Time

The train covers a distance of 512 km between New Delhi and Lucknow in 6 hours and 35 minutes. It runs six days a week, with no service on Tuesdays.

Sprite Tejas Express Station Stoppages

On its route between New Delhi and Lucknow, the train makes three stops, Ghaziabad, Tundla Junction, and Kanpur Central.

Sprite Tejas Express: Timings

Train number 82502 departs New Delhi at 3:30 pm and reaches Lucknow Junction at 10:05 pm. In the return direction, train number 82501 leaves Lucknow at 6:10 am and arrives in New Delhi at 12:35 pm.