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.
In 1966, the branch closed permanently. The next year, passenger train service was stopped in Ngahere along the SWL. Since then, freight trains transporting coal have become the primary mode of transport passing through Ngahere.