Alberta will solicit private-sector proposals for a high-speed rail link connecting downtown Calgary to downtown Edmonton, including a stop in Red Deer. The province aims to initiate a formal request for proposals (RFP) process in fall 2026 and plans to select a project proponent by April 2027, according to announcements made by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta’s Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen.
Route and Service Stops
The proposed railway line will serve key locations along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, including stops in Airdrie, Calgary International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport, providing connectivity through the fast-growing population corridor that houses roughly 80% of
Alberta’s residents. The inclusion of these major airports is designed to integrate regional passenger transportation with air travel hubs.
Financial Framework and Project Scale
The Alberta government anticipates limited financial investment in the project, with expectations that private-sector consortiums will finance, deliver, operate, and maintain the high-speed rail line. The broader Passenger Rail Master Plan estimates the cost for developing a higher-speed rail network, including construction and vehicles, at $38 billion in 2025 dollars with a margin of plus 100% to minus 50%. This estimate pertains to a larger future network incorporating regional commuter rail rather than the specific announced project.
Technical Specifications and Travel Times
The rail line will
use dedicated passenger tracks, separate from freight rail infrastructure, designed to support speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour. The high-speed electric train service is expected to reduce travel time between downtown Calgary and downtown Edmonton to approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The project will require extensive land acquisition for a new rail corridor consistent with the greenfield option outlined in the Passenger Rail Master Plan.
Governance, Consultation, and Federal Involvement
Alberta and the federal government plan to establish a joint governance structure to oversee collaboration, share information, and guide project planning. The federal Major Projects Office will be involved in advancing the
initiative. Stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, municipalities, industry participants, investors, and the public, will be consulted throughout project development. Federal Prairies Economic Development Minister Eleanor Olszewski confirmed ongoing federal collaboration on the project.
Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the strategic nature of the project, stating, “Connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton with high-speed rail would be a generational investment in Alberta’s future.” Minister Dreeshen identified the project as potentially the largest infrastructure initiative in the province’s history, highlighting that companies have begun forming consortia involving railway operators, builders, and engineering firms to respond to the forthcoming RFP. Minister Olszewski noted, “This is
what it means to dream big and work together,” underscoring federal support for the project.
