original_query: What was the purpose of the Monkland Railways company?
query: What was the purpose of the Monkland Railways company?
answer: The Monkland Railways company, formed in 1848 by the merger of three coal railways, aimed to serve coal and iron pits around Airdrie and connect them to canals and other lines for transporting minerals.  Its purpose evolved to include connecting to other railways and harbors for export, and serving the expanding iron smelting industry.