African Development Bank Allocates €205 Million for Morocco's High-Speed Rail Expansion
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has recently approved a substantial financing package amounting to €205 million aimed at enhancing Morocco's rail infrastructure. This funding is specifically designated for the extension of the high-speed rail network along the crucial Kenitra–Marrakech corridor, which plays a vital role in both passenger and freight transport across the nation. This corridor is essential as it connects significant economic hubs including Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, facilitating a large volume of national rail traffic.
The financial support from the AfDB will be utilized for modernizing the railway infrastructure within this corridor, particularly around the Casablanca rail hub. Key aspects of the project include the installation of new rails and track components designed for both conventional lines and the high-speed rail system. The initiative not only focuses on extending the high-speed rail services but also aims to upgrade the existing railway infrastructure. The overarching goal is to enhance the corridor's capacity and operational performance, thereby improving services for both passengers and freight operations.
This project is an integral part of Morocco's ambitious Rail 2040 plan, which seeks to modernize the entirety of the national railway network. It is also aligned with the country's New Development Model and the AfDB's strategic plan for Morocco covering the years 2024 to 2029. The AfDB has a long-standing commitment to supporting rail projects in Morocco, having mobilized nearly €15 billion since 1978 for over 150 projects across various sectors including transportation, water and sanitation, energy, and agriculture.
Previously, the AfDB had allocated €300 million for initiatives focused on expanding capacity along the Tangier–Marrakech railway axis. This earlier program facilitated the development of additional tracks, signaling upgrades, and enhancements to the Casa-Port station as well as establishing a centralized signaling control center. Morocco's high-speed rail network initially launched with the Tangier–Kenitra section and has progressively integrated into the Al Boraq services connecting Tangier and Casablanca. The extension to Kenitra–Marrakech is intended to further solidify this high-speed corridor while simultaneously strengthening the conventional rail infrastructure in this strategically important area.
As reported by railmarket.com.
