This narrow-gauge railway line, with a distance of one metre between its rails, was 27 km long and linked the localities of Tortosa and La Cava (present-day Deltebre). It was built and operated by Compañía de Ferrocarriles Económicos (FESA). Opened completely in 1927, for many years it was the only link enabling easy and quick communication between the Delta region and Tortosa, which was the closest available market. Moreover, in Tortosa it linked up with the Iberian-gauge railway lines of the Ferrocarril del Norte company (called Renfe from 1941 onwards), thereby connecting it with the rest of Spain. This route’s traffic peaked in the period after the Spanish Civil War and in the 1950s. 

Despite some improvements made during this time, it was unable to compete with the arrival of cars. In 1964, it was bailed out by the State and integrated into the FEVE company. Finally, in 1967, due to improved roads, competition from buses and the elimination of an urban section in Tortosa, it was permanently closed and its tracks were removed.

The railway’s No. 1 steam locomotive still exists. It is a Hunslett 220-T, from 1890, which was restored and placed in Tortosa Municipal Park.