In a significant move towards modernizing its transportation infrastructure, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has given the green light to a sweeping rail expansion plan worth 96 billion dirhams ($10.3 billion). The centerpiece of this ambitious initiative is the construction of a high-speed railway line connecting the bustling city of Marrakesh to the rest of the country by 2030.
With Morocco set to co-host the World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal, the push to enhance the country's rail networks, including high-speed, intercity, and urban lines, has gained momentum. The new high-speed line, with an estimated cost of 53 billion dirhams, will stretch from Kenitra on the Atlantic coast to Marrakesh, covering key cities like Rabat and Casablanca along its 430-kilometre route.
Designed to run at a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour, this new line will significantly reduce travel times between major cities. Notably, the journey between Marrakesh and Tangier will be slashed by two hours, clocking in at just 2 hours and 40 minutes. Moreover, passengers traveling between Rabat and Casablanca's main airport can expect a commute time of just 35 minutes.
To support the expanded rail network, Moroccan state-owned operator ONCF has inked deals to procure 168 trains from France, Spain, and South Korea at a cost of 2.9 billion dirhams. Among these acquisitions, France's Alstom will be supplying ONCF with cutting-edge Avelia Horizon double-decker high-speed trains capable of carrying 640 passengers and reaching speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour.
Aside from high-speed trains, the investment also includes a fleet of intercity and urban trains, a move that aims to double the number of cities served by the rail network to 43, with coverage extending to 87% of the Moroccan population by 2040. These deals signify a major step towards not only enhancing transportation efficiency but also boosting the country's nascent rail industry through strategic investments.
Overall, the ambitious rail expansion plan in Morocco promises a transformative impact on the country's transportation landscape, setting the stage for enhanced connectivity, increased accessibility, and a boost to economic development as Morocco gears up for its role as a global host of the FIFA World Cup in 2030.