The branch was intended as a secondary main line to relieve congestion from Leatherhead to Motspur Park, and was thus built as electrified double track from the start.

[1] After the war green belt legislation put a stop to any resumption because Ashtead Common was given protective status.

The goods yard and the 0.5 miles (0.80 km) of trackbed towards Malden Rushett are overgrown by trees.

[2] The line was mainly constructed on embankment with short distances in cuttings and several bridges.

Malden Manor station is the line's busiest with 0.60 million journeys made in the 2014-2015 financial year.