Operated by Sri Lanka Railways, the line includes some of the busiest rail services in the country.

In May 1878 the contract to construct the rail line was issued to David Reid for Rs.

The line was opened for traffic on 4 October 1880 by the Governor, Sir James Longden, eight months earlier than the contract date, for which Reid was given a Rs.

[3] The Matale line begins at Peradeniya Junction and runs east towards Kandy Railway Station.

It then turns north and runs through Katugastota and Wattegama before reaching the Matale District.