Any railroad company operating a railroad, or any part of same, in this state, shall have power to build or acquire lateral or branch lines of railroad, not to exceed fifteen (15) miles in length, for any one (1) of such lateral or branch roads, extending from its main stem in the state to any mine or quarry, or into any mineral section of country tributary to such main stem, or to any mill, factory, or to the bank of any navigable stream, for the purpose of developing the resources of the country without any amendment to the charter of the railroad. Such railroads shall have power to condemn private property for use in the construction and operation of such lateral or branch roads; provided, that private property shall not be taken therefor, against the owner's will, without condemnation thereof, as provided by law in other cases, and such roads shall be, as common carriers, subject to the same duties and restrictions as the main lines with which they connect.
Structure 2021 Tennessee Code
Title 65 - Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 6 - Railroads — Powers — Construction and Maintenance
§ 65-6-102. Issuance of Bonds and Stock
§ 65-6-104. Limitation of Time Removed From Original Franchise
§ 65-6-105. Adoption of Electricity for Motive Power
§ 65-6-106. Entry Upon Private Lands for Certain Purposes
§ 65-6-107. Preference in Location of Line
§ 65-6-108. Location of First of Two Lines
§ 65-6-109. Right-of-Way Authorized
§ 65-6-110. Monopolizing Right-of-Way Prohibited — Condemnation as in Other Cases
§ 65-6-112. Existing Rights-of-Way Unaffected
§ 65-6-113. Right-of-Way at State Line
§ 65-6-116. Change of Terminus Before Final Location
§ 65-6-117. Power to Relocate Lines
§ 65-6-118. Acquisition of Real Estate for Relocation of Lines
§ 65-6-119. Construction and Maintenance of Roadbeds
§ 65-6-120. Construction of Railroad on County Highways
§ 65-6-121. Compensation for Damages From Construction on County Highway
§ 65-6-122. Tracks Not to Obstruct Travel on Highways, Streets, and Alleys
§ 65-6-123. Condemnation of Property to Provide Water for Trains
§ 65-6-124. Damage to Forest Growth in Construction of Railroads
§ 65-6-125. Right to Build Branch Roads
§ 65-6-126. Branch Lines for Industrial Purposes
§ 65-6-127. Power to Build or Extend Lines and Facilities
§ 65-6-128. Acquisition of Land by Purchase or Condemnation
§ 65-6-129. Powers in Addition to Those Existing Under Charters
§ 65-6-130. Acquisition of Branches and Extensions
§ 65-6-131. Consolidation of Competing or Parallel Lines Unlawful — Liability for Taxes