The German unit of Siemens in Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia has started production on 38 of the 54 Lastochka electric trains for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
The electric trains will operate on lines with constant and alternating currents and each will have a carrying capacity of 850 passengers at a maximum speed of 160km/h.
In December 2009 Russian Railways ordered the electric trains for $598m to transport passengers to the 2014 Olympics.
The remaining 16 trains included in the contract will be assembled in Russia at the Siemens and Aeroexpress joint venture.
All 54 Lastochka trains will begin operating in 2013.
After the Sochi Olympics, the trains will be operational first in southern Russia and later in other regions.
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