 By June 1904 it was open from Bloemfontein as far as Modderpoort.In order to make the line viable, it was desired that it should serve Maseru, but for the sake of economy it was decided to build the main line along a shorter route and connect Maseru by a branch line.The line from Marseilles to Maseru, including a new bridge over the Caledon River, was opened on 18 December 1905.