The first sod was turned commencing construction on 8 June 1913[1] with the line opening on 13 November 1917.

[4] The rail line has since then been repaired between Ungarie and Lake Cargelligo rendering the track open.

The 70 kilometre rail line between Lake Cargelligo and Ungarie is in desperate need of an upgrade.

[5] In the same year after more agitation from residents serviced by this line[6] the Railway Commissioners agreed to a new diesel rail motor service to operate between Temora (departing daily at 08:30am) and Lake Cargelligo, the new train commenced from late 1938 replacing the mixed steam trains that had operated since opening.

The line is owned by the Rail Infrastructure Corporation of New South Wales, however the section between Cootamundra and Stockinbingal is leased by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) who are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the line.