When any street railway, interurban or other railway company is required to pave, grade, repave, drain or repair any street or alley of any city, or any part thereof, used or occupied by said railroad or railway company, the cost thereof shall be a lien upon the property and franchises of the company within said city, and shall be assessed, taxed and collected like other taxes: Provided, That said railway company shall have the privilege of paying for said assessments upon the same terms and conditions given by statute to abutting property owners assessed for similar purposes.