Despite its name, for much of its length it is a very local line with mainly single track sections and no regular express services.

Formerly a Kasuga express train ran from Nagoya to Nara, but this service was discontinued in March 2006.

In 1944 the Oji to Nara section was returned to single track and the materials recycled for the Japanese war effort.

In 1996 Namba Station and the approach line were relocated underground to eliminate a number of level crossings.

There are plans to extend the line from Namba to Osaka Station, with construction to begin within the next few years.