The railway was primarily used in the production of sugar by transporting sugarcane to mills, but 41 lines also provided passenger service.

Generally the remaining lines were only in operation during the sugarcane harvest season.

With domestic sugarcane production dwindling in recent years, rail operations have been sporadic.

Some short distance train services resumed in 2003, now catering to tourists and residents wishing to relive childhood memories.

Trains carrying sugarcane and passengers ran along the Sugar Railway lines at relatively slow speeds of roughly 10-30km/h.