The federal government moves forward on a $3.9bn rail project set to transform travel in Eastern Canada
The Canadian government has selected a consortium led by Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Montreal-based engineering firm AtkinsRéalis Group to develop a high-speed rail network between Toronto and Quebec City, as reported by Morningstar.
According to AP News, this initiative aims to enhance transportation in a corridor that houses nearly half of Canada's population and contributes to 40 percent of the nation's gross domestic product.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the project, named Alto, describing it as “the largest infrastructure project in Canadian history.”
The 1,000-kilometre electric rail line will feature stations in Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City.
Trains are expected to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, reducing travel time between Montréal and Toronto to approximately three hours.
The development phase, projected to last six years, will cost approximately $3.9bn. As reported by AP News, this phase will finalize details such as station locations and the network's trajectory before construction begins.
As per Reuters, the selected consortium, named Cadence, includes CDPQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis, Paris-based rail company Systra, Netherlands-based transport firm Keolis, Montreal-based airline Air Canada, and France's state-owned passenger rail operator SNCF Voyageurs.
Transport Minister Anita Anand stated that a contract between the government and the Caisse-led consortium would be signed in the coming weeks.
As reported by AP News, Prime Minister Trudeau expressed confidence that the project would proceed under future governments despite political uncertainties.
He emphasized the necessity of a reliable, efficient high-speed rail network to alleviate congestion and provide a sustainable travel alternative.
This high-speed rail project represents a significant advancement in Canada's transportation infrastructure, promising to transform travel within the country's most populous corridor.
