Sapsan, Russia's first train capable of travelling at a speed of 250 kmph (155 mph), made its first commercial run between Russia's two largest cities in a record time of 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The train departed from the Russian capital at 07:00 p.m. local time [16:00 GMT] and arrived in the Russian second city of Saint Petersburg at 10.45 p.m. local time [19:45 GMT], at precisely the scheduled time.

It takes approximately eight hours for most Russian trains to cover 650 km (about 400 miles) that separate Moscow from Saint Petersburg. Nevsky Express, which had been considered Russia's fastest train, is able to cover the distance in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The train, of the Velaro RUS series, is a joint project between Russia's railway monopoly RZD and Germany's Siemens. It has 10 cars, of which two are first class and eight are second class, and can carry 604 passengers. The track gauge is 33 cm wider than in Germany to ensure it is appropriate for Russia's railroad tracks.

Tickets to Sapsan cost 5,300 rubles ($175) for the first-class coaches and 3,300 rubles ($110) for the second-class coaches. During the first week of the service, tickets will be sold at a discount.

Sapsan made its first unofficial journey in late November, when it evacuated passengers from the Nevsky Express train, which derailed as a result of a bomb attack, killing 26 people and injuring over 90.

Two Sapsan trains will make three runs daily - at 06:45 (arrival time 10:30), at 13:00 (arrival time 17:15) and 19:00 (arrival time 22:45).

The two Nevsky Express trains are due to be removed from the route as Sapsan comes into operation.

RZD signed a deal to buy eight Sapsan trains from Siemens in 2006, followed by a maintenance contract in April 2007.

SAINT PETERSBURG, December 18 (RIA Novosti)