The natural geography and economy in Ningdong mining area were analyzed and experience concern- ing the survey and design of special lines in Ningdong mining area in recent years was concluded. In view of the unfavorable geological phenomena such as sandstorm and goaf, as well as the typical engineering geological problems such as overlaid minerals and design of protective coal pillars, etc. in the engineering geological route selection of railway special lines, combined with project examples, this paper adopted the method of combining theoretical analysis with practical calculation, explained in detail the rationality of the engineering setting and presented some line selection principles in terms of these unfavorable geological phenomena and engineering ge- ological problems.