WolframScript can operate on files without a local kernel present using the Wolfram Cloud

Make a data file using a cloud kernel

Make a data file of 20 random coordinate pairs using a kernel that runs in the Wolfram Cloud:

The resulting file looks like this:

Make a WolframScript script to process the data

Create a script file called FindPath.wls that uses a cloud kernel to plot the shortest tour through the points:

On Mac and Linux, set the script permissions to make it executable:

Process the data using a cloud kernel

Run the script from the command line, giving the data file as input:

View the result

Open the output file tour.png in a browser or other graphics program: