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

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

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

After IRCTC awarded commercial rights by way of prepare branding of the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Categorical to M/s Sprite for a interval of six months, the North Japanese Railway was informed that Prepare 82501/82502 Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow IRCTC Tejas Categorical needs to be introduced because the ‘Sprite’ Tejas Categorical from August 19, 2026 to November 11, 2026, sources within the Railways stated.

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

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

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

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

“That is the primary time {that a} prepare is being named after a model. Although the Lucknow-Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Categorical is a non-public prepare, IRCTC pays Indian Railways hauling fees, which incorporates using its infrastructure, comparable to tracks, railway stations, and so forth.,” 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 corporations to showcase their model on trains, the official stated.