Reporting mark SLRG Dates of operation 2003–Present | Locale Colorado | |
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Predecessor Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Track gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Length 154 miles (248 kilometres) Parent organization Permian Basin Railways, Inc. | ||
The San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad (reporting mark SLRG) is a class III railroad operating in Colorado.
The SLRG began operations in 2003 using 154 miles of former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad tracks on three lines radiating from Alamosa, Colorado. The SLRG operates an eclectic variety of equipment from the SD90MAC to 100-year-old steam locomotives. Steam engine #18 is sometimes found pulling freight, and also modern dome passenger cars on excursion trains.
The railroad interchanges with the San Luis Central Railroad at Sugar Junction in Monte Vista, Colorado.
The railroad was established by RailAmerica following the divestiture of the tracks by the Union Pacific (after acquisition of the D&RGW through merger with the Southern Pacific). Holding company Permian Basin Railways purchased the railroad from RailAmerica in 2005.
Heritage railroad
A subsidiary heritage railroad, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, operates passenger excursion trains on the lines to La Veta and Antonito during the summer months only.