The single-track line was extended from Kanaya in stages, reaching it current terminal station of Senzu on December 1, 1931.

[citation needed] The entire line was electrified on November 18, 1949, with EMUs for the passenger services commencing then and freight operation by electric locomotives beginning in August 1951.

[citation needed] The line runs through an isolated mountain area with no cities or towns, and has a very small population density.

Most of the passengers are tourists visiting one of the hot spring resorts along the line, or alpinists and hikers heading for the peaks of the Southern Alps National Park.

A variety of historical locomotives and carriages are used, both for the steam and for the electric services, making the line a favourite with train enthusiasts and photographers.