logo
ONCF Officials Commend Skillset of National Workers for the Kenitra-Marrakech TGV Line

ONCF Officials Commend Skillset of National Workers for the Kenitra-Marrakech TGV Line

Morocco World25-04-2025

Rabat — Morocco's National Railway Office (ONCF) has stressed the importance of Morocco's skilled workforce working on the recently launched Kenitra-Marrakech High Speed Line project.
Khalid Khairane, the director of the high-speed line projects division at ONCF, said on Thursday that the new line will be carried out according to the established schedule to be ready for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Khairane welcomed the national skills capable of carrying out this type of structuring of the project, explaining that the new high-speed line will reduce the travel time between Tangier and Rabat, as well as between Tangier and Casablanca.
Travel time between Tangier and Rabat will take only one hour, while travel time between Tangier and Casablanca will be reduced to only 1 hour and 49 minutes.
A trip between Marrakech and Tangier will take only 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Mohammed Smouni, Assistant Director General at ONCF, also celebrated the launch of the project, noting that the new line will enable the achievement of territorial equity.
He said the new project will ensure connectivity between many regions, cities, airports, and major stadiums, noting that it will also strengthen the country's high-speed train network spanning a distance of over 600 kilometers.
These new developments place Morocco among the top countries that possess this technology.
Luciano Borges, director of the rolling stock division at ONCF, has also given remarks on the importance of the project, noting that it will feature trains with cutting-edge technologies that offer the highest standards in terms of safety and comfort.
He recalled that ONCF launched a program to acquire 18 latest-generation high-speed trains with a capacity of 641 seats. The trains will be supplied by French manufacturer ALSTOM.
King Mohammed VI launched the construction work of the new line at the Rabat-Agdal train station yesterday.
The project is part of a $9.6 billion railway development program aimed at improving the country's transportation network.
The Kenitra-Marrakech LGV or TGV is budgeted at $5.3 billion, excluding rolling stock.
Minister of Transport Abdelsamad Kayouh said on Thursday that the launch of the project's construction will be a 'new cornerstone and a fundamental support for the national economy.'
He also said that the structuring project will shorten distances between several cities by up to 70% compared to the current situation, facilitating the movement of citizens and connectivity between major urban centers — particularly Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

TGCC, SGTM Win $320 Million Deal for Casablanca's Grand Stadium
TGCC, SGTM Win $320 Million Deal for Casablanca's Grand Stadium

Morocco World

time7 hours ago

  • Morocco World

TGCC, SGTM Win $320 Million Deal for Casablanca's Grand Stadium

Rabat – Moroccan construction giants TGCC and SGTM were awarded the second lot of the Grand Stade Hassan II project in Casablanca, a major infrastructure undertaking planned for Benslimane. The deal, reportedly valued at MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million), comes after the tender process closed on June 10. The two companies, which submitted the only bid, met all the technical and financial conditions required for this stage of the project. The scope of work includes heavy construction, waterproofing, steel framework, interior finishes, and carpentry. The stadium, described as a strategic national investment, shows Morocco's broader ambitions in sports infrastructure as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) laid out a timeline that targets December 2027 for completion. Morocco is pulling out all the stops as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. From massive stadium construction to sweeping infrastructure revamps, the North African country is racing ahead to match international standards and deliver a smooth experience to teams and fans. Yet, this ambitious push comes at a time of looming economic worries, which does not fail to raise questions about how much more the country can stretch. While the effort signals determination and national pride, it also reveals the high stakes Morocco faces in balancing aspirations and domestic realities.

World Bank Backs $350 Million Project to Transform Casablanca's Rail, Logistics Network
World Bank Backs $350 Million Project to Transform Casablanca's Rail, Logistics Network

Morocco World

timea day ago

  • Morocco World

World Bank Backs $350 Million Project to Transform Casablanca's Rail, Logistics Network

Rabat – The World Bank recently committed $350 million to finance a major overhaul of Greater Casablanca's transport and logistics system. The financing aims to enhance commuter rail operations and enhance the strength of Morocco's national railway company, the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), preparing it for long-term expansion. Morocco's urban population now reaches 60% and is expected to climb to 70% by 2050. Casablanca-Settat, the country's economic powerhouse, sits at the center of this urban boom. Cities already drive much of Morocco's economy and job creation, but residents face serious challenges like limited transport options in suburban neighborhoods, worsening traffic congestion, and pollution. Addressing these problems is vital for the future livability and economic potential of Moroccan cities. To meet this challenge, the Moroccan government has invested heavily in rail and public transit. The World Bank-sponsored new program, Service Intra-métropolitain Rapproché (SIR), aims to upgrade train station amenities and boost the number of passenger trains operating. This reduces journey times between main points to 45 minutes or less, providing greater access to employment opportunities and basic services for more people. The $350 million will be used to extend an electrified commuter rail network between central Casablanca and expanding suburbs such as Zenata, Mohammedia, Nouaceur, and Bouskoura. The project includes the renovation of 73-kilometer stretches of existing railway lines, electric infrastructure, and signaling equipment that would be resilient against the impacts of climate. It will alleviate congestion on existing lines and increase freight transportation capacity to Casablanca's port, an important commercial center. The project also aims to develop or upgrade 15 multimodal rail stations, with accessible design and development practices that promote transit riding. It aims to increase logistics activities, particularly in the Ain Sebaa industrial district, and enhance access to a new logistics park in Zenata. Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, the World Bank's Maghreb and Malta Division Director, said the financing will enhance ONCF's management and operational abilities, helping the operator evolve into a publicly listed company focused on customer service. He described the project as a key step toward sustainable urban development and improved daily life for Casablanca residents. By mid-2031, the program expects to improve transport access for more than half a million people. It will raise the number of jobs reachable by rail within 45 minutes by seven percent and improve access to essential services by a similar margin. This investment marks a turning point in Casablanca's transport system, aiming to connect growing suburbs efficiently while reducing environmental impact and supporting economic growth across the region. Tags: morocco railwaysMorocco transportworld bankworld bank morocco

Liechtenstein vs Scotland: Where, When to Watch the Friendly Game
Liechtenstein vs Scotland: Where, When to Watch the Friendly Game

Morocco World

time2 days ago

  • Morocco World

Liechtenstein vs Scotland: Where, When to Watch the Friendly Game

Rabat — Liechtenstein will face Scotland today in an international friendly as part of its preparatory campaigns, including for the World Cup. The match will take place at 5 p.m. Moroccan time, with Scotland regarded as a favorite. Fans seeking to watch the game can do so on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, FS2, ViX. Liechtenstein appears to be one of the least favorites for many sources, including Goal, which said the squad lost their last five matches. 'Their struggles in attack are evident, with only one goal scored in their last six outings,' the same source said . As for Scotland, the football-focused website suggests that the Scottish team will go to the field without their first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who is injured. Several international friendlies are taking place today, including Uganda vs. Gambia, Kosovo vs. Comoros, Montenegro vs. Armenia, and Equatorial Guinea vs. Cameroon. As part of the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying games, Estonia vs. Norway is scheduled for the future, along with Italy vs. Moldova, Kazakhstan vs. North Macedonia, Belgium vs. Wales, Croatia vs. the Czech Republic, and the Faroe Islands vs. Gibraltar. At 9 p.m., Moroccan football fans will also enjoy a friendly game, which will take place at the Fez stadium. The Morocco vs. Benin game will follow another friendly that the Atlas Lions won on Friday, 2-0 against Tunisia. Tags: African footballMorocco Friendlies

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store