Around $530,000 from the province will help Short Line Rail operations to upgrade and expand the tracks, improve crossing surfaces and sight lines, do bridge maintenance and track rehabilitations, among other projects. Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill says the short line rail industry plays a pivotal role in Saskatchewan’s economy by efficiently transporting agricultural goods and a multitude of other products. Western Canadian Short Line Railway Association spokesperson, Rachel Mackenzie, says these grants provide up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs and improving the infrastructure ensures safe and efficient rail services for their members.

Small networks with less than 80 kilometres of track receive at least $25,000. The larger networks receive a proportional amount based on how much track they operate.
Funding allocations for 2023-24:

Thunder Rail $25,000
Torch River Rail $25,000
Northern Lights Rail $25,000
Southern Rails Cooperative $25,000
Long Creek Railroad $25,000
Wheatland Rail $25,000
Red Coat Road & Rail $25,000
Stewart Southern Railway $28,297
Last Mountain Railway $29,155
Carlton Trail Railway $37,515
Great Sandhills Railway $43,089
Big Sky Rail $87,035
Great Western Railway $129,909