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New Hampshire Short Line Railroads: A Complete Guide

Published: April 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Claremont Concord Railroad (reporting mark, CCRR): The history of this short line, built as the Claremont & Concord, dates as far back as 1848 and eventually connected its namesake towns.  

For many years it was a subsidiary of Boston & Maine, and once even offered electrified interurban service.  Today, it operates about 3 miles of remaining trackage in the Concord area providing car repair, bulk transload service, and general freight service.

New England Central Railroad (reporting mark, NECR):  The New England Central Railroad is a major northeastern short line system serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. As a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc., the railroad traces its roots back to the Central Vermont Railway, embodying a rich history and a commitment to supporting regional commerce.

NECR's network spans approximately 366 miles, serving as a crucial link between Canada and the United States, with connections to major rail lines and access to seaports, assisting in the efficient movement of goods.

The railroad primarily handles a diverse range of commodities, including lumber, paper products, metals, minerals, and food products, thereby playing a significant role in the local economy.

In addition to freight services, NECR has been involved in passenger rail service operations, working in conjunction with Amtrak to provide key routes through the picturesque landscapes of New England. The railroad focuses on maintaining high safety and operational standards, investing in infrastructure improvements to enhance reliability and efficiency.

New Hampshire Central Railroad (reporting mark, NHCR): This privately owned short line operates two unconnected sections of track in western New Hampshire from Littleton to Groveton and also from North Stratford to Colebrook.  Along with general freight service the company offers car storage, car repair, transload, and locomotive repair services.

New Hampshire Northcoast Corporation (reporting mark, NHN): This privately-owned short line has been in operation since 1986, operating the Boston & Maine's former Conway Branch between Ossipee and Rollinsford, New Hampshire right on the Maine border.  Its traffic consists primarily of aggregates.