A short-line railway is a railroad that has a shorter distance than mainline railways. Often known as a secondary or branch line, it connects towns or cities to larger rail transport systems. These rail lines can have different names depending on the location and purpose. For example, they can be referred to as feeder lines, spur lines, branch lines, or industrial railways. Feeder lines connect short distances between urban areas and mainline railways, whereas spur lines connect industrial sites to primary rail networks. Branch lines are commonly used to carry passengers and goods to neighboring towns or cities, whereas industrial railways are frequently found within factories and mines.