Ottawa: Federal Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon has officially announced the launch of Project Alto, Canada’s new high-speed rail initiative. The first segment of the plan will be constructed along the Montreal-Ottawa route.
The Minister projected that once the entire system is operational, the journey between Montreal and Toronto could be completed in approximately three hours, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour.
Construction of the first segment is anticipated to commence within four years. This massive undertaking is expected to generate a significant economic boost, with an estimated 50,000 job opportunities created in related industries, including steel, concrete, and electrical work.
While the project is moving forward, the CEO noted that efforts are underway to finalize the precise route of the train line. Consultations are currently ongoing with stakeholders, including landowners, local residents, and Indigenous communities. The completion of this initial line is set to provide rapid, efficient transit from Ottawa directly to downtown Montreal.
