Currently (2024), the line is used exclusively for freight transport, with the exception of one round trip between Thessaloniki and Serres as well as special services.

The route first leads through a small pass where, at 320 meters above sea level, it reaches the highest point between Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis before descending into the valley of the Nestos River.

The Société du Chemin de Fer Ottoman Jonction Salonique-Constantinople, abbreviated JSC, was founded in October 1892.

This company obtained, on September 10, 1892, the concession to build and operate a railway 442 km line between Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis, named Dedeagatch at the time.

The line fulfilled the strategic goal of a direct connection from Constantinople to Thessaloniki, by-passing Serbian or Bulgarian territories.

Except near Alexandroupolis the minimum distance from enemy countries and the sea was 15 km in order to keep the route out of artillery and gunboat fire reach.

This route had several horseshoe curves to master the steep grades in the geographic wise difficult country and is today closed and razed.

[7] Bank für Orientalische Eisenbahnen was also the owner of the Chemins de fer Orientaux and of the Salonica Monastir Railway.

The Greek government purchased the JSC in 1920,[8] and the railway became part of the Hellenic State Railways.Locomotives from the JSC[9] The Thessaloniki–Alexandroupolis railway is used by the following passenger services: Due to the overdue necessary maintenance, the line has been partially closed for passenger routes, with the Drama-Xanthi section operating with OSE buses and commercial trains only.