Lastochka carries first passengers to Alpika

Russia’s Lastochka trains have begun completing test runs along the new Adler – Alpika rail line ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Writes David Shirres from Alpika

The trials, which follow the recent energisation of the first traction substation on the route, started on May 25 and involve the Siemens-built EMUs travelling at a maximum speed of 60 km/h, with the signalling system not yet commissioned.

On May 29, one of the Lastochka test trains carried its first passengers on the new line as a special service carrying participants and journalists to the 8th International Business Forum ‘Strategic Partnership 1520′.

At a press conference held on arrival at Alpika, Russian Railways vice-president Oleg Toni confirmed that the new line will open in October.

For the first time this annual forum for Russian Gauge railways (1520mm) is taking place in Krasnaya Polyana in a newly constructed hotel complex built for Russia’s 2014 Winter Olympics.

Topics to be discussed include Russia’s high-speed rail plans and the pros and cons of vertical integration.




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