The Heidelberg–Neckargemünd section of the line was built in 1862 as part of the Baden Odenwald Railway (Baden Odenwaldbahn), running from the Heidelberg via Neckargemünd, Meckenheim, Neckarbischofsheim, Aglasterhausen, Obrigheim, Neckarelz, Mosbach, Oberschefflenz, Seckach, Osterburken, Königshofen and Lauda to Würzburg.
The nature of the Buntsandstein rock in Dallau Tunnel was difficult and required blasting.
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Instead, after a review of 45 alternative routes and lengthy negotiations, a decision was taken to build a line through Meckenheim, Mosbach, Osterburken and Lauda.