Tenn. Code Ann. § 65-6-126

Any railroad company operating a railroad, or any part of same, in this state, shall have power to build or acquire lateral or branch lines of railroad, not to exceed fifteen (15) miles in length, for any one (1) of such lateral or branch roads, extending from its main stem in the state to any mine or quarry, or into any mineral section of country tributary to such main stem, or to any mill, factory, or to the bank of any navigable stream, for the purpose of developing the resources of the country without any amendment to the charter of the railroad. Such railroads shall have power to condemn private property for use in the construction and operation of such lateral or branch roads; provided, that private property shall not be taken therefor, against the owner's will, without condemnation thereof, as provided by law in other cases, and such roads shall be, as common carriers, subject to the same duties and restrictions as the main lines with which they connect.