Union Pacific Railroad plans to lease about 250 miles of branch lines in eastern Nebraska to a short-line railroad. The new operator, Nebraska Central, intends to begin operations as soon as practicable.
UP officials said the five-branch lease package is part of the company's long-term plan to sell or lease lighter density feeder lines to short-line railroads, thereby maintaining rail service to the rural communities served.
Nebraska Central will have trackage rights over UP's mainline between Central City and Grand Island, Neb. The short line plans to locate its headquarters in Columbus, Neb.
Source: The May 1993 issue of Progressive Railroading
