The 2025 Delaware State Rail Plan (SRP) is an update to the 2011 Delaware State Rail Plan, which was developed to comply with Chapter 227 of Title 49 of US Code Section 22705 as enacted in the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) of 2008. PRIIA requires states to develop SRPs according to specific requirements as a condition for eligibility for grant programs authorized by the legislation. PRIIA also requires USDOT to establish minimum standards for the preparation and periodic revision of SRPs.  In September 2013, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued the State Rail Plan Guidance (Guidance).

This 2025 SRP was prepared by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to reflect the changes that have occurred in Delaware since the 2011 SRP was written; to incorporate the current multimodal transportation planning goals including the long-term vision for the role of rail in the state; and to ensure that the SRP satisfies PRIIA, and the more detailed requirements described in the FRA Guidance. It outlines the policies, strategies, and investments that will shape railroad transportation in Delaware for the next 20 years.

The SRP covers freight, intercity and commuter rail services. It draws from and is consistent with other statewide planning efforts, including the 2025 Delaware Long-Range Transportation Plan, and the 2022 Delaware State Freight Plan. The Plan was developed in coordination with railroads serving Delaware as well as other key stakeholders who are engaged in rail policies, funding, and project implementation. This SRP will be updated every five years.