Electric train "Lastochka" sets off on its first trip from Ufa to Chelyabinsk

On August 1, the "Lastochka" electric train made its inaugural trip along the new interregional route Ufa – Chelyabinsk, departing from the Dyoma station. The ceremonial launch was attended by the Head of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov, and the Head of the Kuibyshev Railway, Vyacheslav Dmitriev.

Radiy Khabirov called the continued expansion of travel options a pleasant and joyful event, emphasizing that it was the result of coordinated efforts with the Kuibyshev Railway. He noted that nearly half of the rolling stock on suburban lines had been replaced. Although Chelyabinsk is accessible by long-distance trains, he said the new route is more convenient, comfortable, and affordable, especially considering discounts and student fare options. Khabirov stated that this connection brings Chelyabinsk and the Republic of Bashkortostan even closer and shared plans to establish similar routes with Samara and Magnitogorsk. He thanked everyone for their work and collaboration, especially Vyacheslav Vitalyevich, and congratulated everyone on this notable event.

Vyacheslav Dmitriev also congratulated residents and railway workers, thanking the Head of Bashkortostan for the close cooperation between the region and Russian Railways. He highlighted that thanks to their joint efforts, passenger traffic on suburban routes in Ufa has increased by 30%. Last year, around 6,000 people traveled daily by electric trains, and this year the number has grown to 8,000. He noted that the republic is among the national leaders in terms of growth and called it symbolic that the launch coincides with the upcoming Railway Workers' Day.

Khabirov and Dmitriev also visited the first transport interchange hub in the republic, built at Dyoma station by a private investor. They purchased tickets to Ufa and became the first passengers of the new route. Khabirov added that around five more such hubs were needed along the route toward Shaksha and Iglino, mentioning other potential sites like the Yarkaya station and possibly in the Parkovaya area.

The "Lastochka" train will take just under nine hours to reach Chelyabinsk, arriving at 23:05. The train No. 6422/7160/7158 will depart from Dyoma at 13:25 and arrive in Chelyabinsk at 23:05, running on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The return train from Chelyabinsk will run on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, departing at 06:04 and arriving in Ufa at 15:36.

The ticket price for the Dyoma – Chelyabinsk route is 1,751 rubles. From September 1 to June 15, students will receive a 50% discount, reducing the fare to 875.50 rubles.

This is the first-ever interregional suburban rail route between Ufa and Chelyabinsk. It will be serviced by the modern ES2G "Lastochka" electric train in 5- or 6-car configurations, offering 396 to 490 seats, respectively.

The route is particularly relevant given ongoing roadworks on the M5 highway and is expected to help redistribute passenger traffic to safer and more comfortable suburban trains.

The "Lastochka" features a spacious interior with panoramic windows, air conditioning, comfortable seats with folding tables, accommodations for passengers with limited mobility, and 220V outlets for charging devices.

Author: Azat Gizzatullin