Officials have inaugurated the Mount Vernon Railroad, a new shortline railroad jointly developed by Ports of Indiana and OmniTRAX to enhance freight operations at the state’s largest inland port. The railroad will serve as the dedicated switching carrier for the Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon, a 1,200-acre facility on the Ohio River that handled approximately 40,000 railcars and 6.7 million tons of cargo in 2023.
OmniTRAX, selected from 19 contenders, will operate the Mount Vernon Railroad and provide switching, sorting, and rail logistics services. The shortline will connect with the Evansville Western Railway, which provides access to four Class I railroads: BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific.
Ports of Indiana is currently investing $25 million to position the port for large-scale multimodal development, targeting industries such as steel, automotive, energy, and plastics. The 500-acre megasite at the port supports heavy-haul logistics and benefits from barge, rail, and road connections. The site also includes two upgraded GP38-2 locomotives now branded with names selected by local elementary school students—”Power Paws” and “Wildcat Express.”
The partnership between OmniTRAX and Ports of Indiana aims to attract industrial tenants and expand regional economic development. As a subsidiary of The Broe Group, OmniTRAX brings extensive experience in industrial rail operations and site development, operating 29 railroads and 52 transload facilities across North America.
The Mount Vernon Railroad represents a significant step toward creating a “Mega-Modal” logistics hub in Southwest Indiana, combining water, rail, and road access with dedicated industrial development services.