African Development Bank Invests in Morocco's Infrastructure Development
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a significant funding package amounting to €205 million aimed at bolstering Morocco's railway infrastructure. This investment is specifically designed to support the expansion and enhancement of the high-speed rail line that connects key cities, improving both passenger and freight transport capacity across the nation.
The primary objective of this project is to extend the existing high-speed rail network and to upgrade the infrastructure between Kenitra and Marrakech. This initiative is expected to facilitate smoother transportation and elevate the logistical competitiveness of Morocco, making it a more attractive hub for trade and travel.
Boosting Connectivity and Reducing Travel Time
According to the AfDB, this project is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity between Morocco's major economic and urban centers. It will not only enhance the interlinking of various regions but also promote sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation methods. Furthermore, the project is poised to reduce travel times and lower logistical costs, which will have a positive ripple effect on the national economy.
The AfDB's representative in Morocco, Ashraf Tarssim, emphasized that the combination of extending the high-speed rail line and upgrading existing infrastructure will meet the increasing demand for passenger and freight services. This development will provide greater flexibility in exchanges and reduce travel durations, thereby reinforcing Morocco's strategic position as a key link between Europe and Africa.
In addition to the railway extension, the project will involve acquiring new equipment to modernize the railway infrastructure along the Kenitra-Marrakech corridor, as well as in the Casablanca rail hub. This entails the provision of new tracks and specialized devices for both conventional and high-speed lines, aimed at enhancing operational capacity and sustainability.
The program also includes a dedicated project management component that encompasses oversight of construction and evaluation of results, ensuring that the project adheres to its established objectives. The AfDB reiterated that this initiative aligns with its national strategy for Morocco for the period 2024-2029, as well as with the priorities of the new development model and the railway plan set for 2040.
As reported by ihata.ma.
