The Lucknow-New Delhi Tejas Express,India's first private train,now sports a bold new look as the "Sprite Tejas Express." This move,just announced, signals a big change in how ads are plastered on trains, sparking debate on trains' ad future.
Since October 2019, the Tejas Express has been a flagship of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC),offering a travel experience to rival flying. Plush seats, modern toilets,onboard entertainment — flying on rails . But the Sprite makeover doesn't change who runs it; it's just a splashy ad on an old canvas.
Sprite's logo now wraps train, turning it into a rolling billboard. It's part of a trend where trains become moving ads,leaving old-school billboards in the dust. Sprite,known for quenching thirst, fits well in a land where summer travel is all about beating the heat on long train rides.
Though called private, Tejas Express is still under Indian Railways. "Private" is bit misleading; it's not owned independently but runs on the nation's tracks. The Sprite rebranding adds a new twist to luxury train travel and branding.
As the Sprite Tejas Express chugs along, it offers a peek into the future of train ads. Its bold branding catches eyes not just onboard but at every stop. This constant exposure could boost Sprite's brand, making it tempting model for others.
Travelers still get the same top-tier service . Executive and air-conditioned seats, charging ports,CCTV — all there. But with branding comes questions: will service or fares change?
Reactions online are mixed. Some train fans cheer,hoping ad cash will improve services. Others worry the train's look isn't as classy anymore. Calls are out for ad revenue to fund better maintenance and catering.
The Sprite Tejas Express could lead to more branded trains in India. If it works, expect more corporate logos across the country's premium rails and metros. A train ride could become one long ad journey.
Rebranding Tejas as Sprite Tejas shows the growing commercialization of railways. It's not just about visibility; it's about how brands connect with travelers on the move. As it rolls on, the train's new face is a sign of India's changing travel and ad scene.
