The Province of Alberta announced plans to solicit private-sector proposals for a high-speed rail line connecting Calgary and Edmonton, with a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) scheduled for fall 2026. The proponent selection is expected by April 2027.
Proposed Route and Service Stops
The planned rail corridor will run from downtown Calgary through Red Deer to downtown Edmonton. Service stops will include Airdrie, Calgary International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport to enhance regional connectivity.
Speed, Travel Time, and Infrastructure
The high-speed trains are targeted to reach speeds up to 320 kilometres per hour. The Alberta Passenger Rail Master Plan estimates the trip between downtown Edmonton and downtown Calgary will take
approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, significantly reducing current travel times on the corridor.
Cost Estimates and Financial Model
According to the June 2026 Alberta Passenger Rail Master Plan, the broader high-speed Edmonton-Calgary network is estimated to cost CAD 38 billion in 2025 dollars, including construction, vehicle, and land acquisition costs, with an accuracy range of plus 100 percent or minus 50 percent. A conventional rail alternative following existing freight corridors was estimated at CAD 25 billion. The province expects minimal financial investment from its side for the upcoming project, though exact budget details remain unknown.
Federal-Provincial Partnership and Governance
The Calgary-Edmonton high-speed rail initiative will be referred to
the federal Major Projects Office after the proponent is chosen. Alberta and Canada will establish a joint governance structure to oversee planning, collaboration, and due diligence. Engagement with Indigenous communities, municipalities, investors, industry stakeholders, and the public will continue as the project advances. Federal Minister for Economic Development in the Prairies Eleanor Olszewski highlighted ongoing collaboration to assess market opportunities and implementation steps.
Official Statements on Project Significance
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the project as a “generational investment in Alberta’s future,” emphasizing the connection between Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton. Minister Devin Dreeshen called it “the largest infrastructure project in the province’s history.” Minister
Eleanor Olszewski stated the rail would create “incredible new job and business opportunities” and transform Canada’s third-largest transportation corridor.
Industry Engagement and Planning Efforts
Private-sector consortiums including railway operators, construction firms, and engineers have been forming to prepare proposals. Alberta held an industry webinar in July 2026 and is conducting one-on-one consultations with equity providers, contractors, and engineering firms through October 2026. The province is evaluating private financing, delivery, operation, and maintenance models for the passenger rail network, aiming to limit government spending.
Economic and Transportation Context
This project supports Alberta’s response to rapid population growth and expanding economic activity along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions.
The rail line is expected to alleviate congestion on the QEII Highway, Alberta’s busiest highway, helping improve mobility and economic development. The 30-year Alberta Passenger Rail Master Plan envisions phased expansion of passenger rail services across the province.
Project Scope Unknowns
Details on the final construction timeline, total project cost, provincial financial contribution beyond the anticipated minimal investment, exact route alignments, and final station locations remain undecided. Alberta expects these particulars to emerge as private-sector proponents submit detailed proposals and as the joint provincial-federal governance advances planning.
