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Indiana Railroad Facts and Information

  • Indiana has 4,255 railroad route miles.
  • 91% of these miles are operated by Class I railroads primarily Norfolk Southern (NS) and CSX Transportation (CSX).
  • There are 46 regional, local and switching terminal railroads in the state.
  • 15 Indiana counties and 86 communities are served exclusively by short line railroads.
  • Railroads directly impact the Indiana economy by employing over 5,800 people and have an annual payroll of over $333 million. In addition, the railroads pay property taxes and fuel taxes.
  • Over 110 million tons of rail freight originate and/or terminate in Indiana annually. Nearly two thirds are coal, grain or metal products.
  • Shortline railroads handle over 350,000 carloads per year.
  • ROI generally meets on a quarterly basis and its officers are elected to a two-year term and include a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and a Secretary-Treasurer. The services of a lobbyist are utilized by the organization.
  • Indiana railroads, although most are privately owned, create substantial public benefits.
  • Railroads provide the lowest cost for land transportation of bulk commodities.
  • Loss of impairment of rail service would increase truck traffic, impact the highway user and have great impact on rural communities.