An extension of the Kleinbahn from Lüneburg to Soltau to Neuenkirchen or Rotenburg was contemplated even during its construction, and in 1913 the Kingdom of Prussia, the province of Hanover and the district of Soltau set aside funding to enable the Soltau–Neuenkirchen Light Railway Company to be established.

Running powers on the line were granted to the Lüneburg–Soltau light railway, which provided locomotives and, later, staff.

On 1 June 1923 responsibility for operations on both lines was transferred to the state light railway office in Hanover.

In fact statistics showed that small numbers of passengers continued to use the line even after that date, because clearly it was possible to travel in the guard's van on goods trains.

Goods traffic was always moderate; it was limited mainly to agricultural products and supplies for country traders.