Finally, by purchasing the private railway lines between Sveg and Kristinehamn the entire 1288 km stretch stood clear.

Originally it was to be inaugurated in 1924, but due to the effects of WW1 and the post-war recession and labour shortages, it was not finished until 1937, opening on 6 August that year.

The line was thereafter operated by SJ, but never proved profitable, suffering gradually decreasing service until 1992, when it was mothballed entirely.

Also for 2013 the line between Kristinehamn and Mora has been refurbished and is once again open throughout, served by one train pair per day for the peak period (for exact times check Inlandbanan's web site); otherwise a coach service is provided along the route.

The southernmost 40 km (25 mi), Kristinehamn–Nykroppa, also has a sparse all-seasons passenger service operated by Värmlandstrafik as part of a line from Kristinehamn to Ludvika.