Missouri-built autonomous railcars deploying to Columbia tracks in $16.2M federal tech test
October 30, 2026 | Startland News Staff
A TugVolt-equipped autonomous railcar hauls an Army truck on a flatcar in June at Camp Shelby, Mississippi; photo courtesy of Intramotev
A project meant to demonstrate the viability of autonomous freight railcars along the more than 600 short lines across the U.S. is rolling forward thanks to a $16.2 million federal grant connecting TugVolt technology to Missouri’s Columbia Terminal Railroad (COLT).
“Short lines keep America’s small cities and rural communities connected to the freight network,” said Tim Luchini, CEO of Intramotev, the St. Louis company behind TugVolt and its independently-driven railcar technology. “Autonomous railcars can help them serve more customers, more often, at lower cost, and this program will show what that looks like on a working mainline.”
Intramotev will deploy two TugVolt autonomous railcars on COLT’s 21.4-mile line — a municipally owned short line operated by Columbia City Utilities — between Centralia and Columbia, Missouri.
A U.S. Army Reserve soldier controls a TugVolt autonomous railcar during an exercise in June at Camp Shelby, Mississippi; photo courtesy of Intramotev
Operations will advance in phases under a Federal Railroad Administration-approved test program. They begin with remote switching at COLT’s Columbia terminal and build to autonomous freight service across the full mainline and its public crossings.
The grant also funds track and infrastructure upgrades for the railroad.
A TugVolt autonomous railcar from Intramotev moves military vehicles in June at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, during an exercise with U.S. Army Reserve soldiers; photo courtesy of Intramotev
“COLT has been Columbia’s link to the national rail network for nearly 40 years, and the businesses that depend on it support hundreds of local jobs,” said Erin Keys, director of utilities for the City of Columbia. “This federal investment lets us modernize the railroad, strengthen service for our customers, and put Columbia at the forefront of rail innovation.”
Intramotev plans to build both TugVolt units at its St. Louis facility.
The funding announcement comes in the midst of a busy year for Intramotev, the company said. In April, it announced an agreement with ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, Austria’s national railway. In June, U.S. Army Reserve soldiers trained on TugVolt technology during a planned technology assessment.
Fund More Stories
This story was made possible by readers like you. Join them — make a one-time contribution or become a monthly member to sustain our work.
