Steam engines could lead passenger trains between Manheim Borough and Lititz during the Lititz Fire & Ice Festival, Fourth of July celebrations and other major events if Strasburg Rail Road successfully acquires the rail line for use by its freight division.

A working group known as the Heritage Railroad Initiative, which includes representatives from the railroad and Lititz-area businesses, is exploring that possibility. The rail excursions between Manheim Railroad Station & Museum, 210 S. Charlotte St., and the Lititz Welcome Center, 22 N. Broad St. (Route 501) would be part of Strasburg Rail Road’s plans to acquire multiple Norfolk Southern-owned rail lines in Lancaster and Chester County.

Strasburg Rail Road has proposed buying multiple rail lines in Lancaster and Chester counties for use by its freight rail division – the Lititz Secondary, New Holland Secondary, Mount Hope Industrial Track, Parkesburg Industrial Track and Coatesville Industrial Track. The proposal also includes Norfolk Southern’s operating rights on Amtrak’s Keystone Corridor from Lancaster to Coatesville.

Norfolk Southern did not respond to messages seeking comment on the proposal, and Strasburg Rail Road representatives declined to comment.