Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express to Operate as Sprite Tejas Express

The Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express, India’s first privately operated train, will now run under the brand name “Sprite Tejas Express” following a partnership between Indian Railways and a private entity, the Indian Express reported yesterday. The rebranded service, which operates on the 515 km route connecting Uttar Pradesh’s capital to the national capital, marks a significant step in the government’s push to involve private players in railway operations.

The train, previously operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), has been handed over to a private company under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. As part of the agreement, the branding rights for the train have been acquired by a beverage manufacturer, leading to its renaming. The Indian Express noted that the partnership includes responsibilities for maintenance, onboard services, and marketing, though ownership of the rolling stock and infrastructure remains with Indian Railways.

This initiative is part of a broader plan announced in 2020 to privatize operations of 100 trains across 15 routes, aiming to enhance efficiency and passenger experience. The Tejas Express, known for its semi-high-speed service and modern amenities, was selected as a pilot project. The Indian Express cited officials stating that the private operator will handle end-to-end management, including ticketing, catering, and cleanliness, while adhering to safety and scheduling standards set by the railways.

The rebranding reflects a growing trend of corporate partnerships in public infrastructure. The beverage company’s involvement, though not detailed in financial terms, is likely tied to advertising and co-marketing opportunities. The Indian Express reported that the train’s livery and onboard facilities will feature the sponsor’s branding, though core services like fares and reservation systems will remain under IRCTC’s oversight.

Passenger reactions to the change remain mixed. While some welcomed the potential for improved services, others expressed concerns over the privatization model’s long-term impact on affordability. The Indian Express quoted a Delhi-based commuter as saying, “If the private operator can maintain punctuality and cleanliness without hiking fares, it could set a good precedent.”

The success of the Sprite Tejas Express will be closely watched, as it could influence the rollout of similar partnerships. However, challenges such as balancing commercial interests with public service obligations and ensuring accountability remain unresolved. The Indian Express noted that the railways have not yet disclosed metrics for evaluating the private operator’s performance beyond adherence to schedules and passenger feedback.

As the train begins its new chapter, questions persist about the scalability of the PPP model and its implications for India’s vast railway network. For now, the Sprite Tejas Express represents both an experiment and a symbol of the government’s ambition to modernize a state-owned enterprise through private collaboration.