India’s first ‘private, branded’ train to run as ‘Sprite’ Tejas Express

India’s first ‘personal, branded’ practice, launched by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Company (IRCTC) between Lucknow and Delhi, will run because the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Specific.

Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express, India’s ‘first private train’ flagged off

After IRCTC awarded commercial rights via practice branding of the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Specific to M/s Sprite for a interval of six months, the North Jap Railway was instructed that Practice 82501/82502 Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow IRCTC Tejas Specific ought to be introduced because the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Specific from August 19, 2026 to November 11, 2026, sources within the Railways stated.

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The commercial via practice branding was given by the use of a Letter of Acceptance. The personal practice can be introduced as ‘Sprite’ Tejas Specific at originating and en route stations on either side of the journey, sources instructed The Hindu on Wednesday (August 12, 2026). 

The nation’s first personal practice was flagged off by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on December 3, 2021.

The a lot publicised IRCTC’s personal absolutely air-conditioned superfast practice is supplied with trendy amenities. It has an in depth on-board meals/beverage and infotainment providers, the IRCTC stated. 

Group reserving is allowed within the practice the place passengers travelling in teams to attend company conferences, marriages, social occasions, and so on., may e book a whole AC Chair Automobile coach having 78 seats.

“That is the primary time {that a} practice is being named after a model. Although the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Specific is a non-public practice, IRCTC pays Indian Railways hauling costs, which incorporates the usage of its infrastructure, resembling tracks, railway stations, and so on.,” a senior Railways official stated. 

An exterior commercial wrap of coaches was allowed in common trains operated by the Railways as an income-generating measure, enabling personal companies to showcase their model on trains, the official stated.