New Delhi: India is set to see its first train service run under a private brand name, with the Tejas Express to operate as the ‘Sprite Tejas Express’.
Railway branding for commercial advertising is common in several countries, and Indian companies have also used trains extensively for promotions. In a first for India, the Centre has cleared a private brand naming arrangement for the Tejas Express running between Lucknow and Delhi.
Railway sources said Coca-Cola has secured the advertising branding rights for the Tejas Express. Under the agreement, five LHB coaches will carry Sprite-themed designs, and the branding licence has been granted for six months.
Following IRCTC’s approval, the North Eastern Railway has been instructed to announce the service as ‘Sprite Tejas Express’ at departure and en-route stations in both directions, sources added. IRCTC noted that the Tejas Express is a fully air-conditioned high-speed train with modern amenities, including onboard food and entertainment.
Railway officials also pointed out that while the Lucknow–Delhi Tejas Express is operated as a private service, it pays Indian Railways for the use of infrastructure such as tracks and stations.
