Freight Railroad P3 

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking a private partner for an anticipated 40-year lease to operate, maintain, and improve approximately 92 miles of freight rail corridors on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This Public-Private Partnership (P3) aims to modernize the rail infrastructure, increase efficiency, and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The project's main objectives include ensuring safe and reliable freight rail service, attracting new customers and increasing carload volume, reducing or eliminating state subsidies, providing property management services, and generating revenue to fund improvements while shifting the operational risk and responsibility to the private sector.

MDOT will utilize a competitive process, potentially a two-step process involving a Request for Qualification (RFQ) followed by a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued to the shortlisted teams. No more than four teams will be considered.

As of June 13, 2025, MDOT has released the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Submittals will be processed through the EMMA system only. Click on the link below to access the RFQ.

Please direct all inquiries and responses to freightrailp3@mdot.maryland.gov.

The links below will provide more details.