Lastochka electric train made first run on 23 January 2013
The Lastochka is a comfortable high-speed dual-system electric train used by Russian Railways and designed for passenger transportation on the Russian railway system. In particular, trains are adapted to Russia’s widely varying climatic conditions to enable them to carry out stable operations between temperatures ranging from -40°C to +40°C. The design also takes into account all the relevant European standards and has maximum operating speed of 160 kph.
The need for a dual-system electric train first arose in connection with the holding of the XXII Olympic Winter Games and the XI Paralympic Winter Games in 2014, which took place in Sochi.
The Adler – Sochi Airport and Sochi – Adler – Krasnaya Polyana – Olympic Park routes are distinguished by the specific mode of electrifying the railway lines. The main section of the track, which runs along the Black Sea coast, has been electrified using direct voltage, while the mountain section running between Adler – Krasnaya Polyana has alternating current. The Lastochka is equipped with an automatic transfer system that enables it to switch from one system to another and exclude stops at the docking station.
During the XXII Olympic Winter Games, Russian Railways ran suburban electric trains which transported 3,789,000 passengers along the Olympic routes to Sochi.
As of 2023, electric trains with improved modifications are in operation, and the Company is constantly working to improve the carriages.
The exact composition of Lastochka trains and their power supply systems depends on the type of passenger services – interregional, suburban or intracity along the Moscow Central Ring.