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Morocco’s transportation infrastructure is set to undergo a significant transformation, as Transport and Logistics Minister Abdel Samad Guioh announced a 30% completion rate for the new high-speed rail line connecting Kenitra and Marrakech. This ambitious project, part of a larger investment strategy, aims to modernize the country’s rail network, drastically reducing travel times across key routes.
Ambitious Rail Project Aims to Transform Connectivity
The Moroccan government is firmly committed to enhancing its railway system, with Minister Guioh detailing a comprehensive plan during a recent parliamentary session. The initiative not only aims to modernize the existing network but also to create a seamless transport experience across major urban centers, including a direct connection from Rabat to Casablanca and the Mohammed V Airport.
This high-speed rail project spans 430 kilometers, with an estimated cost of 53 billion dirhams. It is part of a broader investment strategy totaling 96 billion dirhams, the largest of its kind in over a decade. The endeavor is expected to introduce 168 new trains as well, alongside a 14 billion dirham allocation specifically for maintaining the current services and enhancing efficiency.
Significant Reductions in Travel Times
One of the standout benefits of this modernization effort is the drastic reduction in travel times. The journey from Tangier to Marrakech will shrink from six and a half hours to a mere three and a half, while travel between Rabat and Tangier will be reduced to one hour from the previous hour and twenty minutes. Furthermore, a new station at Mohammed V Airport is poised to cut the travel time to central Rabat to just 35 minutes, and the trip between the airport and Marrakech will take less than an hour.
Guioh also highlighted the near completion of studies for another high-speed connection between Marrakech and Agadir. The minister revealed that about 70% of this project’s work will focus on challenging terrain, involving the construction of bridges and tunnels, with an estimated cost of 55 billion dirhams. Ongoing efforts are targeted at securing international funding to kickstart this strategic initiative.
Improving Local Transport Services
In addition to the new high-speed lines, the government is also advancing its suburban rail service, with the ‘RER’ project making significant strides, currently sitting at 30% completion. This service aims to enhance public transport in the Rabat-Kenitra-Peck area, with plans for trains to operate every ten minutes during peak hours.
Guioh further mentioned plans to upgrade the Atlas trains, including the purchase of new cars for more than 160 existing trains that will serve routes from Oujda to Marrakech.
Fostering Local Industry and Customer Satisfaction
On the industrial front, the establishment of a new railway locomotive manufacturing plant in Benguerir marks a significant push towards local production, with an impressive 62% of components sourced domestically. This initiative aims not only to bolster national capabilities but also to target international markets for exports.
As for service quality, the punctuality rate of trains has surpassed 87%, with customer satisfaction ratings exceeding 80%. The minister emphasized the ministry’s commitment to implementing suggestions aimed at continually improving the rail transport services across Morocco.
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Morocco’s rail network modernizes with a 30% completion of high-speed lines, slashing travel times and enhancing connectivity.
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