King Mohammed VI Launches Construction of Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Project
Doha – King Mohammed VI launched construction work Thursday on the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line (LGV) at Rabat-Agdal train station, paving the way for a new era of ultra-modern rail infrastructure across the country.
The 430-kilometer project forms part of a comprehensive MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) railway development program that will transform the country's transportation network.
The Kenitra-Marrakech LGV, budgeted at MAD 53 billion ($5.3 billion) excluding rolling stock, reflects Morocco's strategic vision for sustainable development, particularly the promotion of low-carbon collective mobility solutions.
'This project demonstrates Morocco's firm determination to continue developing the national rail network,' said an official statement during the ceremony, noting the railway's role as 'the backbone of a sustainable and inclusive transport system.'
The high-speed line will connect Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech while serving Rabat and Casablanca airports. It will drastically reduce travel times, with journeys between Tangier and Rabat taking just one hour, Tangier to Casablanca 1 hour 40 minutes, and Tangier to Marrakech 2 hours 40 minutes — saving over two hours compared to current durations.
Additionally, the project will link Rabat to Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport in 35 minutes, with service to the new Benslimane stadium. High-speed service between Fez and Marrakech will take 3 hours 40 minutes, with trains running on conventional tracks from Fez to northern Kenitra before switching to the new high-speed line to Marrakech.
The project's technical specifications include constructing a new line designed for speeds up to 350 km/h, terminal zone developments in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, railway equipment installations, new high-speed stations, commuter train stations, and renovations to existing facilities. A maintenance center for trainsets will also be built in Marrakech.
Concurrent with the rail line launch, the National Railways Office (ONCF) announced an unprecedented program to acquire 168 new trains at a cost of MAD 29 billion ($2.9 billion). This investment will strengthen and rejuvenate the entire passenger fleet, including 18 high-speed trains, 40 line service trains, 60 rapid shuttle trains, and 50 commuter trains for metropolitan transit networks in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.
The acquisition program will foster the emergence of a domestic railway manufacturing ecosystem with over 40% local integration, supporting Moroccan businesses and expertise.
'With a local integration rate exceeding 40%, the program demonstrates strong commitment to Moroccan companies and skills,' noted railway officials at the event, adding that it will have 'inevitable positive implications for supporting the national economy, reducing transport costs, and promoting sustainable development.'
The program rests on two main components: an industrial dimension establishing a train manufacturing facility with a supplier and subcontractor ecosystem, and a joint venture between manufacturers and ONCF for maintenance throughout the trains' lifecycles.
This 10-year modernization initiative promises to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while training specialized human resources.
The transformative project involves renowned international companies, including France's Alstom for high-speed rolling stock, Spain's CAF for inter-city trains capable of 200 km/h, and South Korea's Hyundai Rotem for metropolitan commuter trains, all secured with preferential financing terms.
Beyond extending high-speed rail to Marrakech, this comprehensive modernization represents a renaissance for Morocco's entire railway network, modernizing and renewing the ONCF train fleet while creating a rail-based public transport network and an industrial ecosystem with significant economic potential.
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