Refreshing Rails: Coca-Cola India and IRCTC Launch the Branded Sprite Tejas Express

Backed by official corporate and railway announcements in New Delhi, authorities have introduced an eco-focused branding partnership on a key intercity corridor.

Launching India’s First Branded Train on the Lucknow-Delhi Route

The intersection of commercial branding and public transportation has reached a new operational milestone. According to official announcements released on August 21, 2026, Coca-Cola India and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) officially flagged off the Sprite Tejas Express.

Operating across the high-demand Lucknow–New Delhi–Lucknow corridor, the six-month partnership marks a first-of-its-kind agreement in Indian railway history. Five coaches feature prominent exterior Sprite branding, while audio-visual systems announce the service as the Sprite Tejas Express at originating and en-route stations. The initiative aims to enhance non-fare revenue generation for Indian Railways while providing passengers with integrated onboard beverage experiences and promotional merchandise.

Integrating Waste-to-Value Solutions into Railway Infrastructure

Beyond commercial branding, the partnership places a primary emphasis on circular economy principles and environmental sustainability. Senior leadership from Indian Railways, IRCTC, and Coca-Cola India highlighted several practical waste-to-value applications embedded into the passenger journey during the inauguration.

Notably, the ceremonial flag-off featured an official flag manufactured entirely from repurposed PET bottles. Furthermore, durable public infrastructure has been installed at Lucknow Station, featuring benches constructed from recycled plastic waste where each unit repurposes approximately 45 kg of post-consumer packaging. Collaborating alongside food partners such as Wow! Momo, the initiative aims to model scalable environmental responsibility across high-traffic transit hubs.

Why It Matters

The practical implications of this collaboration affect daily commuters, regional travelers, and public sector revenue models. By combining corporate advertising rights with tangible environmental infrastructure—such as recycled plastic station benches—the project demonstrates how public-private partnerships can drive non-fare railway revenues while advancing municipal sustainability goals.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Partnership Entities: Coca-Cola India (Sprite brand) and IRCTC.

• Route & Duration: Operates on the Lucknow–New Delhi corridor for a six-month pilot starting August 2026.

• Branded Assets: Five train coaches feature exterior advertising and dedicated station audio announcements.

• Sustainability Focus: Features station benches made from recycled plastic waste, repurposing roughly 45 kg of packaging per bench.

FAQ Section

What is the Sprite Tejas Express?

It is India's first privately branded corporate train service operated under a partnership between IRCTC and Sprite, running on the Lucknow–New Delhi route.

How long will the Sprite branding partnership remain active?

The collaborative service agreement is scheduled to operate for a duration of six months starting in August 2026.

What sustainability initiatives are included in the project?

The partnership integrates waste-tanks and recycling solutions, including station benches constructed from recycled plastic waste and ceremonial flags made from repurposed PET bottles.

Where can travelers find official updates regarding IRCTC corporate train services?

Official schedules, ticketing options, and corporate partnership announcements are published regularly on the IRCTC Official Portal.

Source: The Wire, Passionate In Marketing, ANI News