Sprite and IRCTC Launch Branded Tejas Express on Delhi–Lucknow Route

22 August 2026: Sprite and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) flagged off the Sprite Tejas Express on 21 August 2026 for the Lucknow-New Delhi-Lucknow route. The six-month branding programme puts Sprite livery on five coaches and adds onboard product placement, giving IRCTC another form of non-fare brand partnership on a premium passenger service.

What is the Sprite Tejas Express partnership ?

The train will carry Sprite branding for six months from August 2026, according to the launch announcement. Five coaches have branded exteriors, while station announcements at the origin and stops along both legs will refer to the service as the Sprite Tejas Express. The name applies to the Lucknow-New Delhi-Lucknow Tejas service during the promotion.

What changes for passengers ?

Sprite will form part of the passenger food bundle. At the inauguration, passengers were also due to receive samples and merchandise, while the companies said further Sprite-led activities would follow onboard. The release also names Wow ! Momo.

Ajit Kumar Sinha, Chief Regional Manager for IRCTC’s Lucknow Division, said “The association brings a consumer brand into the train through an onboard programme. Coca-Cola India said the route lets Sprite reach people travelling for work, leisure and family visits.”

What recycled-material elements were added ?

The launch included station benches made with recycled plastic. The companies’ release says each bench uses about 45 kg of post-consumer packaging waste. Organisers also used a ceremonial flag made from repurposed PET bottles.

Why does the deal matter ?

The agreement turns coach exteriors, station announcements, catering and launch fixtures into one advertising package. That makes the Sprite Tejas Express more than a vinyl wrap, although the available release does not disclose the contract value, revenue share or selection process.

Coca-Cola and IRCTC describe it as India’s first branded train. A narrower description is safer: it is a time-limited naming and passenger-experience partnership on the IRCTC-operated Tejas service, rather than a permanent change to the train or route.

FAQs ….

How long will the Sprite branding remain ?
The announced term is six months from August 2026.

Is Sprite Tejas Express a new train ?
No. It is the existing Lucknow-New Delhi-Lucknow Tejas service operating under a temporary Sprite branding programme.