Union Pacific , the largest U.S. freight railroad operator, is exploring a possible acquisition of Norfolk Southern to create a $200 billion coast-to-coast rail network, a person familiar with the matter said.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are in merger talks to create the largest railroad in North America that would connect the East and West Coasts. The merger discussions began during the first quarter of this year,

Union Pacific is in talks to merge with Norfolk Southern, according to The Wall Street Journal, in a deal that would shake up the railroad business in America.The Journal cited people familiar with the matter.