# Columbia Short Line autonomous rail testing > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/columbia-short-line-autonomous-rail-testing > Updated: 2026-10-21T16:26:53.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $16.2 million in federal grants through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program to modernize the Columbia Short Line (COLT) Rail in Missouri. This funding is part of a larger $20.8 million modernization effort, with additional contributions from the City of Columbia and private partners. The project aims to conduct the first documented demonstration of autonomous railcar operations on a regulated short-line railroad in the United States. Saint Louis-based Intramotev has been selected as the technology partner to deploy two TugVolt autonomous railcars on the 21.4-mile segment between Columbia and Centralia. Testing will occur in phases, beginning with remote-controlled locomotive maneuvers and switching in terminal yards before progressing to full-scale autonomous freight service across the mainline and public crossings. Infrastructure upgrades include installing 36,000 composite ties, replacing switches, reinforcing track with heavier rails, and establishing two Level 2 charging stations. The initiative also intends to create training curricula for remote operators and maintenance technicians to establish a safety template for the nation’s 600-plus short-line railroads. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Intramotev to deploy autonomous railcars in Missouri Intramotev will deploy autonomous TugVolt railcars on Missouri’s Columbia Terminal Railroad as part of a $16.2 million federal grant project. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/intramotev-to-deploy-autonomous-railcars-in-missouri ### 2026-10-19: Columbia Short Line awarded $16.2 million for autonomous rail tests The Federal Railroad Administration is providing $16.2 million to modernize Missouri’s Columbia Short Line, enabling tests for autonomous freight railcars and critical infrastructure upgrades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/columbia-short-line-awarded-162-million-for-autonomous-rail-tests --- Cite as: Columbia Short Line autonomous rail testing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/columbia-short-line-autonomous-rail-testing