Lastochka electric train makes test trip from Kazan’s airport to railway station

      An electric train called Lastochka (swallow) on Saturday made its maiden trip, after a new 1A international airport terminal was officially opened in Kazan. Attendees at the ceremony and train’s first passengers were Tatarstan president, Rustam Minnikhanov, Russian first deputy prime minister, Igor Shuvalov, Federal Air Transport Agency chief, Alexander Neradko, and other officials.

      The Siemens Desiro Rus train is the first electric train put into operation in Russia on an intermodal line. The train is under certification and operational tests, to be completed in January 2013. Traffic on the intermodal line is schedule to be launched in the first quarter of 2013.

       Aeroexpress company press secretary, Nadezhda Dorzhieva, said the 5-carriage electric train, seating 433, could speed up to 160 kilometres per hour, being equipped with air conditioning and specially designed seats for people with limited abilities.

       The length of the line connecting the Kazan’s airport and railway station is slightly over 26 kilometres, which distance can be covered in 26 minutes. The approximate ticket price is 200 roubles.