COLOMBO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Railways Department on Wednesday said that a luxury train recently imported from China will begin operations on a central scenic line from November 1.

The train, named "Denuwara Menike," will begin operations on the intercity railway line that runs from Colombo to Badulla in the low central highlands to meet the demand for the scenic route which attracts many foreign tourists every year.

The Denuwara Menike is a Chinese S-14 power locomotive that was imported to the country in August and features two air-conditioned first class compartments equipped with televisions and mobile phone charging facilities, two second class compartments, three third class compartments and a dining compartment.

A ride on the Denuwara Menike will take nearly nine hours.