[1] It is used primarily to transport iron ore (60 million tonnes per year)[2] and does not carry passenger traffic.

[3] In 1977 the line was transferred to Transnet Freight Rail, then known as South African Railways & Harbours, and was electrified.

A single-track line with 10 crossing loops to allow trains travelling in opposite directions to pass was constructed.

[1] The railway crosses the Olifants River on a 1,035 metres (3,396 ft) viaduct between Vredendal and Lutzville[3] and reaches the coast about 160 kilometres (100 mi) north of Saldanha.

Initial train lengths consisted of three class 9E electric locomotives, hauling 210 type CR ore wagons with a payload of 80 tonnes.