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Rail Transport Infrastructure and Modal Integration Support Program – Maintenance and improvement of rail transport infrastructure - Part 1 - Maintenance and improvement of rail transport infrastructure
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports maintenance, upgrades, and integration of rail transport infrastructure
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Rail Transport Infrastructure and Modal Integration Support Program provides funding of up to $4.5 million per project to maintain and improve rail transport infrastructure in Quebec. The program supports rehabilitation, replacement, and reconstruction of rail infrastructure as well as enhancements to safety and continuity of rail services.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Optimize production processes
- Conduct research
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 4,500,000 $
- Up to 66.67% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 1, 2023
- Closing date : March 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Transportation and warehousing
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Activities funded
- Rehabilitation, replacement, or reconstruction of rail transport infrastructure such as tracks, bridges, tunnels, culverts, and retaining walls.
- Levelling, ballasting, and armouring of rail tracks when these works go beyond routine maintenance.
- Repair and reconstruction of the crossing surface at public grade crossings where the applicant is the sole responsible party.
- For passenger rail in the event of a major disaster: specialized maintenance and inspections, adaptation of rolling stock or infrastructure to maintain or restore passenger rail services.
- Construction, improvement, or development of facilities, terminals, or sidings to enable better integration between rail and road or maritime transport for freight operations.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a local railway company (chemin de fer d’intérêt local, CFIL) located in Quebec, or an industrial railway company in Quebec that provides transportation services for third parties.
- The proposed project must involve the rehabilitation, replacement, or reconstruction of railway infrastructure, or, for passenger transport during a major disaster, the maintenance and inspection needed to maintain or restore passenger rail services.
- The applicant must demonstrate expertise and financial capacity to successfully complete the project.
- The application must be complete and accompanied by all required supporting documentation, including a project description and financial details.
Who is eligible?
- Local railway companies (CFIL) operating within Quebec
- Railway companies operating in Quebec that provide transportation services for others
- Industrial companies legally constituted in Quebec (for modal integration projects)
- Cargo handling companies legally constituted in Quebec (for modal integration projects)
- Municipal organizations (for modal integration projects and studies)
- Economic development organizations (for studies)
- Chambers of commerce (for studies)
- Development corporations (for studies)
Who is not eligible
- Consulting firms and similar organizations.
- Municipal organizations (except where explicitly eligible for specific components).
- Companies listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors.
- Class 1 railway companies (e.g., CN, CP, CSX Transportation, VIA Rail Canada inc.) and their subsidiaries.
- Public operators of subways, commuter trains, light rail, and tramways, including the subsidiaries of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
- Railway operators owned by the governments of Canada, Quebec, other provinces or municipalities outside of Quebec, and their agencies.
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of materials (e.g., rails, ties, fastenings, ballast, construction components).
- Acquisition and rental of equipment necessary for the project.
- Transportation costs for personnel, equipment, materials, and machinery required for project activities.
- Installation of equipment related to railway infrastructure or modal integration.
- Insurance premiums related to implementing the project.
- Salaries, wages, and social charges for professionals, technical staff, advisors, and contractors directly engaged in the project.
- Preparation of engineering and environmental studies, plans, and specifications.
- Professional fees and external honoraria related to eligible work.
- Construction supervision and site monitoring costs.
- Verification and project evaluation expenses.
- Contingency reserve up to a maximum of 15% of project costs.
- For passenger rail, during a major disaster: expenses related to current or specialized maintenance and inspection required to maintain or restore service, and adaptation of rolling stock or infrastructure.
- For studies (Volet 3): professional fees, necessary data acquisition, and purchase or rental of specialized equipment specific to the study.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Contribution to the maintenance or improvement of rail infrastructure important for Quebec's transportation system and regional economy.
- Impact on the efficiency and competitiveness of the rail network and transportation system in Quebec.
- Enhancement of rail safety through the proposed project.
- Support for maintaining or restoring a transportation service deemed important for the transportation system and regional economy.
- Economic, financial, and logistical benefits for users.
- Assessment of the applicant’s expertise and financial capacity to successfully complete the project.
- Necessity of financial assistance and the financial viability of the project.
- Overall project credibility.
- Availability of program funds.
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility requirements
- Identify the type of project and verify eligibility based on the program's three components: infrastructure maintenance and improvement, modal integration, or studies
- Review eligibility criteria specific to your applicant category and project type
2
Prepare required documentation
- Gather required documents including filled financial aid application form and supporting explanations
- Prepare business and financial information, project descriptions, detailed cost estimates, and relevant technical reports
- Collect any other supporting documentation as required (e.g., maps, photos, proof of financial viability)
3
Complete the application form
- Complete the required financial aid application form for your project component
- Ensure all required sections and attachments are completed and accurate
4
Submit the application
- Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Ministry at the designated email address (PSITFIM@transports.gouv.qc.ca)
- Ensure submission within the program’s time frame before the deadline or fund exhaustion
5
Application evaluation process
- Your application is reviewed according to selection criteria relevant to the chosen program component
- The Ministry may request additional information or clarification during evaluation
6
Receive decision and sign agreement
- Receive a written decision from the Ministry indicating whether funding is approved or denied
- If approved, sign the agreement outlining program conditions and obligations
7
Project implementation and reporting
- Begin project implementation as per approved plan and agreement
- Adhere to reporting requirements, submit progress and expense reports as necessary
- Complete all project activities within specified timeframes
8
Final disbursement and compliance
- Receive final payment after verification of completion, valid expenses, and all supporting documentation
- Maintain compliance and retain project assets for the specified period as per program rules
Additional information
- Approved grant recipients must comply with the Quebec government's visibility protocol for aid programs.
- Recipients agree to provide the Ministry with data and information necessary for tracking and evaluation for five years following project completion.
- The Minister may publicly announce key project information, including its nature, location, estimated cost, and the amount of financial aid awarded.
- Assets acquired with grant funding cannot be sold or repurposed for five years after project completion without authorization; violation may result in full reimbursement of the aid.
Contacts
PSITFIM@transports.gouv.qc.ca
1-888-355-0511
