Sprite Tejas Express: India's First Corporate Branded Train

Sprite Tejas Express: India's First Corporate Branded Train

#GS-3 #Economy #Infrastructure #Current Events #National

Key takeaways

  • IRCTC has awarded six-month full commercial branding rights for the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express to Sprite, marking the first corporate train branding in Indian Railways history.
  • The semi-high-speed train covers a 512 km route in roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes while operating 6 days a week under the North Eastern Railway (NER) zone.
  • This initiative aims to generate non-fare revenue for Indian Railways while providing premium facilities like 78-seat coach block bookings and modern infotainment.

Why in News

  • Indian Railways and IRCTC have granted complete commercial train branding rights for the Lucknow to New Delhi Tejas Express to beverage brand Sprite for six months.

About the Sprite Tejas Express

  • The Sprite Tejas Express is India's first privately branded corporate superfast train operated by IRCTC with complete internal and external advertising rights.
  • This premium passenger service operates directly between Lucknow Junction (LJN) in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi (NDLS).
  • The train operates under the supervision of the North Eastern Railway (NER) zone using existing railway infrastructure.
  • IRCTC acts as the primary operator of the service and pays haulage charges directly to Indian Railways.
  • The official branding partner for this corporate initiative is Sprite, owned by The Coca-Cola Company.
  • The main goal is to generate non-fare revenue for the railways while providing modern passenger amenities on an important intercity route.

Key Features

  • This is the first time in Indian Railways history that a scheduled train incorporates a commercial corporate brand name in station audio and visual announcements.
  • Passengers receive high comfort through modern LHB coaches, premium on-board catering services, and personalized entertainment systems.
  • Corporate groups, wedding parties, or event organizers can book an entire 78-seat capacity AC Chair Car coach as a single block.
  • The semi-high-speed train runs 6 days a week, covering the distance of about 512 km between Lucknow and New Delhi in nearly 6 hours and 15 minutes.