The Nebkota Railway (reporting mark NRI) was a Class III railroad that began operations in 1994 with 73.5 miles (118.3 km) of former Chicago and North Western Transportation Company Cowboy Line track between Merriman and Chadron, Nebraska.

[1] Founded in 1994, the railroad's purpose was to haul grain from elevators in Merriman and other locations farther west, via trackage rights to its connection with the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern, now Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad at Dakota Junction and a further 20 miles (32 km) by trackage rights to a connection with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe at Crawford, Nebraska.

In September 2007, the railroad abandoned the line between Rushville and 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Chadron due to the loss of grain traffic to larger main-line loading facilities.

Planned replacement of ties before winter, development of business and rail opportunities as part of an effort to restore service, and the strong support of West Plains, LLC were cited as reasons to expedite the petition.

[5] On November 20, 2013 the Surface Transportation Board authorized John Nielsen to gain control of the Nebkota as of December 15, 2013.