In 1883, despite having rough passage due to many dangerous spots, the construction of a line connecting Takasaki Station and Ohgaki Station began after the "Ordinance of a public bond for the Nakasendo Railroad" was issued.
明治16年（1883年）に「中山道鉄道公債証書条例」が交付され、高崎駅・大垣駅間の建設が始まったが、山岳地帯を通るために難所が多く工事は難航した。