Muhammad Amanullah
Date: September 29, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —A proposed high-speed rail project connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton in Alberta is moving towards the next stage of development.
The Alberta government has announced that it is preparing to formally invite proposals from private-sector companies and organisations interested in participating in the construction and operation of the major rail project. The federal government has also indicated its willingness to refer the proposed rail corridor to the federal Major Projects Office.
New Stage for the Project
According to Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, public feedback during the development of the province’s Passenger Rail Master Plan identified a high-speed passenger train connecting Calgary and Edmonton via Red Deer as a preferred option.
The provincial government is now preparing to begin the formal process of inviting proposals from private-sector companies interested in the project.
The government aims to select a private-sector partner by April 2027.
Speeds of Up to 320 Kilometres per Hour
Under the proposed plan, a new railway track would be built within a dedicated corridor, allowing trains to reach speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour.
At that speed, travel between downtown Calgary and downtown Edmonton is expected to take approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
Currently, driving and air travel are among the main options for travelling between the two cities. A high-speed rail service could provide an additional transportation alternative.
Red Deer Included in the Route
A key feature of the proposal is the inclusion of Red Deer, which lies between Calgary and Edmonton, in the main rail corridor.
According to the Alberta government, the region extending between Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton is home to approximately 80 per cent of the province’s population.
The provincial government believes connecting the three major urban centres through high-speed rail could make travel easier for commuters, business travellers and tourists.
Alberta Government’s Expectations
Premier Danielle Smith has described the project as a long-term investment in Alberta’s future.
She has said the province’s population continues to grow, increasing the need for infrastructure that can better connect residents, businesses and the economy.
According to Smith, cooperation with the federal government is helping advance a project that could strengthen one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic corridors.
Role of the Private Sector
The Alberta government has indicated that the private sector will play a central role in the project.
Once the formal Request for Proposals is issued, interested private-sector organisations will be able to submit their proposals.
The provincial government has also said it expects to make minimal direct financial investments in the project. This suggests that the government is focusing on private-sector participation in construction, financing and operations.
Federal Government Also Involved
The federal government has taken an important step by agreeing to refer the proposed rail corridor to the federal Major Projects Office.
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said high-speed rail has the potential to transform how people travel in Canada. He also noted that the project could contribute to Alberta’s economic growth, productivity and regional connectivity.
A Network of More Than 500 Kilometres
Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan extends beyond the proposed Calgary-to-Edmonton connection.
The proposed network would cover more than 500 kilometres and include rail service between Calgary and Banff.
The plan also considers the possibility of providing all-day rail services to Calgary and Edmonton airports, alongside proposals to expand passenger rail services around major urban centres.
$15 Million Investment
The provincial master plan includes an investment of $15 million over the next three years.
However, the final cost, construction model and financing structure for the high-speed rail connection between Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton will depend on private-sector proposals and subsequent decisions.
Significance of the Project
Calgary and Edmonton are important economic centres in Canada. If completed, a high-speed rail connection between the two cities could provide a new travel option alongside existing transportation services.
Including Red Deer in the route would also aim to strengthen economic and urban connections among the three communities.
The project has not yet entered the construction phase. It is moving towards the selection of a private-sector partner and the relevant federal and provincial approval processes.
The target of selecting a private-sector partner by April 2027 will be the next major milestone. Further details about construction, costs, the route and the final timeline are expected to emerge as the project advances.
