That all railroads in this state carrying passengers or freight shall, and they are hereby required to build and maintain depots for the comfort of passengers and for the protection of shippers of freight, where such railroad companies are in the practice of receiving and delivering passengers and freight, at all towns and villages, having a population of two hundred (200) or more, on the line of their roads, and roads leased or operated by them.
610 ILCS 55/1