San Francisco Chronicle Praises Al Boraq, Africa's Premier High-Speed Train
This week, the renowned American publication, the San Francisco Chronicle, dedicated an article to Al Boraq, hailed as the "first and only high-speed train (TGV) in Africa." The piece highlights Morocco's impressive achievements in developing modern railway infrastructure. The Chronicle's writer, Joe Mathews, who experienced Al Boraq during his visit to Morocco, emphasizes the train's efficiency, connecting Casablanca to Tangier in just 2 hours and 17 minutes, a significant reduction from the nearly five-hour journey prior to the train's launch in 2018.
Mathews pointed out that the project represents one of the most cost-effective high-speed rail lines constructed globally, meeting international standards. He draws a comparison with California's high-speed rail project, which has faced numerous delays and challenges despite substantial investments over the years. In contrast, Morocco's swift and successful implementation of the Al Boraq line serves as a model of effective project management.
The Moroccan high-speed rail line stretches over 323 kilometers, traversing complex terrains, including flood-prone areas. Its construction involved the creation of 286 engineering structures and 13 viaducts, among which is the notable El Hachef viaduct, measuring 3.5 kilometers in length, situated south of Tangier. Mathews attributes the success of this ambitious infrastructure project to three key factors: a strong political will, strategic international partnerships, and practical technical choices. Notably, the collaboration between Morocco, SNCF, and Alstom allowed Moroccan teams to receive comprehensive support throughout the project's lifecycle.
Furthermore, the writer highlights Morocco's strategic decision to utilize four existing stations for the initial line, thus minimizing both construction costs and timelines associated with developing new facilities. The San Francisco Chronicle concludes by noting that Al Boraq represents the first phase of a broader high-speed rail network projected to extend 1,500 kilometers by 2030. Ongoing projects include the extension of the high-speed line between Rabat and Kenitra, the development of a regional express network in Casablanca, and a new line connecting Casablanca to Marrakech, with plans for an extension to Agadir in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
