The line was built by the chemin de fer Vevey–Chexbres [fr] and is today owned and operated by Swiss Federal Railways.

Indeed, the difference in altitude between its starting point and its end is 231 metres (758 ft) and only 23 % of the line is straight.

[3] The company did not have the means to acquire rolling stock and negotiated with the Jura–Simplon Railway (chemin de fer Jura-Simplon) to operate it.

The negotiations were unsuccessful and it ultimately a contract was concluded with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).

400 metres (1,300 ft) of track were modified and the Burignon bridge was reinforced to allow the passage of electric locomotives.

The catenary was initially suspended by metal poles and comprised a steel wire and a copper contact line 70 millimetres (2.76 in) thick.

Passenger services over the line are provided by the RER Vaud R7, which operates hourly between Vevey and Palézieux.

[8] As of 2025[update], services are operated by NPZ Domino and RABe 523 multiple units.