The first segment of the line, connecting Algiers with Blida opened on September 8, 1862 and was extended to Oran on May 1, 1871.

[3] The Oran–Relizane section was opened to travelers on November 1, 1868 and was extended to Khemis Miliana (called Affreville whilst part of French Algeria) on September 1, 1870.

[1] More recently, the segment of the line from Algiers to El Affroun has been electrified to improve commuter rail connecting the two cities.

[3] The line is flat except for the 50 kilometers between El Affroun and Khemis Miliana where the elevation changes from 100 to 500–250 meters above sea level.

A 7-kilometer tunnel is being built to more directly connect the Khemis Miliana and Oued Djer portion of this segment.