The 82501 / 82502 Lucknow–New Delhi Tejas Express is one of India's semi-high speed full AC Tejas Express fleet introduced by Indian Railways connecting in Delhi and in Uttar Pradesh. The train started its operations on 4 October 2019, on the occasion of Navaratris. It is the fastest train between Lucknow and Delhi and vice versa after the introduction of Anand Vihar Terminal-Ayodhya Cantonment Vande Bharat Express.
History The train is India's first privately operated train, operated by IRCTC.
In August 2026, it became India's first privately branded passenger train under a new brand deal rights for six months by the soft drink brand Sprite. Subsequently the train will be renamed as Sprite Tejas Express.
Service The train leaves Lucknow Junction at 06:10 am and reaches New Delhi at 12:35 pm. On its return journey, it leaves Delhi at 3:30 pm and reach Lucknow at 10:05 pm. The train, having three stops at , and , runs on all days of the week, except Tuesday.
Other facilities IRCTC, the operator of this train, announced that in Indian rail history for the first time ever, passengers will be compensated for delays. 100 will be paid to passengers if the delay is over one hour, and 250 will be paid for delays over two hours.
Alongside a slew of offers like free travel insurance worth and on-board infotainment services, doorstep baggage collection and local food are provided, but no Tatkal quota will be available for this train.
Profitability The train, in its first month of run, with an average occupancy of 80–85%, made a profit of , while earning a revenue of nearly through ticket sale.s IRCTC, the public operator, spent an average of nearly 14 lakh per day to run the train, and earned around 17.50 lakh daily from passenger fares.
Traction as the route fully electrified WDM-3A and WAP-5 so was WAP-4 hauled end to end
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