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Russian-Finnish joint venture Karelian Trains recently selected Alstom to supply four high-speed Pendolino trains for the Helsinki-to-St. Petersburg rail link. The $163 million contract includes an option for two additional trains.

A joint venture between Russian Railways and Finnish Railways, Karelian Trains will co-manage the seven-car trains.

Based on 18 Pendolinos already in use in Finland, the vehicles will operate on a 279-mile, high-speed line at speeds of up to 136.4 mph — potentially completing the Helsinki-to-St. Petersburg trek in three hours compared with the current five and one-half hours, Alstom says. The trains will feature seats for 352 people.

Scheduled for delivery in early 2009 and to be ready for rail service in 2010, the trains will be manufactured at Alstom's Savigliano plant in Italy.