In February 1882, the Colonization Office was abolished, and the railway and coal mine came under the jurisdiction of the construction bureau. The Sapporo-Ebetsu route was opened provisionally in June, and by November the line was completely operational from Temiya to Horonai. The official opening ceremonies were held on September 17, 1883, and were attended by members of the royal family, the military, and Inoue Masaru, chief of the Railroad Office. Passenger service was run for free to the local citizens for the entire day.