To connect Osaka and Kansai Science City (Keihanna Science City) (Gakkentoshi), the line between Ikoma Station and Gakken-Nara-Tomigaoka Station was constructed by extending the Higashi-Osaka Line, providing a transportation means for people living in the many homes built over the large area covering the northern part of Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, and the northwestern part of Nara City.
生駒～学研奈良登美ヶ丘間は、大阪と関西文化学術研究都市（学研都市）を結ぶ路線として東大阪線を延伸する形で建設され、奈良県の生駒市北部および奈良市北西部に広がる住宅地群の足となる。