IRCTC Launches Sprite Tejas Express As India's First Branded Train

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced the launch of the "Sprite" Tejas Express, marking the debut of India's first private, branded train. Under a new advertising contract, M/s Sprite has been awarded the exclusive branding and advertising rights for the train for an initial period of six months. The train will be officially referred to as the "Sprite" Tejas Express in all official announcements at both the originating and en route stations on its journey.

This move is part of a broader push by the Ministry of Railways to increase non-fare revenue through innovative advertising models. By allowing a major consumer brand to take over the visual identity of a premium train, IRCTC aims to subsidize operational costs while modernizing the commuter experience. The branding will likely extend to the exterior vinyl wraps, interior upholstery, and digital displays within the coaches, following the model of successful branded metros in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

The introduction of the Sprite Tejas Express signifies a growing openness to private sector participation in the traditionally government-held railway sector. While the operational control remains with IRCTC, the commercial identity shift is a significant experiment in the "Bharat Gaurav" and private train policy frameworks. For Indian passengers, this could mean better-maintained amenities and newer onboard entertainment options funded by corporate partnerships, though critics remain watchful of the balance between public service and commercial interests.