The branch was formally closed on 21 February 1966. The next year, passenger trains through Ngahere on the SWL were cancelled; since this time, freight trains of coal have been the predominant traffic through Ngahere.
The closure of the branch occurred on a specific date (21 February 1966). The following year, passenger train service was discontinued in Ngahere along the SWL. Since then, freight trains carrying coal have been the main traffic through Ngahere.