The construction works started in April 1863 with the establishment of the terminus in Rosario, at Rosario Central Station. The line was built as a broad gauge railway. In September 1867 the line reached Villa María, Córdoba, and the works ceased. Minister Rawson expressed disagreement for the paralysis of the works while passengers also protested against poor conditions of the service. The works for the Rosario Central station and other intermediate stations had not begun. The company alleged that they could not continue the extension of the line until the pending lands were given.