Upon completion of the Nagano Shinkansen in October 1997, JR East transferred all long distance operations to the shinkansen, and control of the Shinetsu Main Line between Karuizawa and Shinonoi was handed over to the newly formed Shinano Railway, which is majority owned by the Nagano Prefectural Government.

Today, the line is a vital commuter transport route for communities in the east and north of Nagano Prefecture.

[citation needed] The line is electrified and double-tracked with a track gauge of 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) for its entire length.

[citation needed] Like many railways in rural parts of Japan, the line faces problems concerning decreased ridership and revenue.

[1] In recent years, additional stations have been opened at Tekuno-Sakaki, Yashiro-kōkō-mae, and Shinano-Kokubunji in order to increase passenger numbers.