Significant Engineering Developments in Rabat's High-Speed Rail Expansion

The ambitious project to connect Kenitra with Marrakech through high-speed rail is entering a crucial engineering phase in the heart of Rabat, where a significant underground rail facility is being constructed. This facility will span approximately 3.3 kilometers, ensuring the smooth transit of "Al-Boraq" trains between the Wadi Abi Raqraq area and the Rabat Agdal station, as part of the ongoing expansion of the high-speed rail network. The intricate nature of this undertaking is underscored by its location within an active urban fabric in the capital, making it one of the most complex segments of the entire project. The construction necessitates the establishment of underground rail infrastructure capable of accommodating new train operations while simultaneously preparing for the enhancement of the rail transport system ahead of the World Cup 2030.

Technical Specifications and Future Implications

The technical elements of this project reveal the construction of a primary single-tube tunnel that stretches up to 2,750 meters, incorporating two railway lines. This tunnel connects to an open section approximately 50 meters long, leading into another covered segment extending around 500 meters near the Rabat Agdal station. The latter part is designed to handle a greater rail capacity, featuring four tracks, which aims to manage and organize train flow in proximity to one of the capital's key stations. This strategic design aligns with expected transformations in the network following the high-speed line's extension. The project is being executed by a Moroccan-Chinese consortium, which includes SGTM and Sinohydro Bureau 5, after the National Office of Railways awarded them a contract worth approximately 1.4 billion dirhams. The timeline for completing this project is set at 42 months, with major works commencing in 2025, following a preparatory phase for technical setups and site readiness.

This underground facility is poised to enhance the rail network's capacity in the capital, facilitating improved organization and separation of train flows, particularly as the extension project for "Al-Boraq" moves towards Marrakech. This initiative is one of the key projects linked to the development of rail transport and the preparations for the upcoming World Cup in 2030.

As reported by arabic.pressbee.net.