Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail: A Major Infrastructure Development
In a significant announcement made on May 25, 2026, Abdessamad Kayouh, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, confirmed that the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line, spanning approximately 430 kilometers, is on track to be completed by September 2029. This ambitious project is expected to revolutionize rail travel in Morocco, drastically reducing travel times between major cities. Currently, the journey from Rabat to Marrakech takes about four hours; however, with the new high-speed line, this duration will be slashed to just one hour and forty minutes.
The Minister elaborated on the progress of the project during a session at the Chamber of Representatives, revealing that construction has already reached nearly 30% completion. This development highlights Morocco's commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure and promoting greater connectivity within the country.
Future Expansion Plans and Funding Efforts
Additionally, Kayouh mentioned that feasibility studies for the second phase of the project, which aims to extend rail services to the city of Agadir, have been completed. This extension is expected to further enhance the connectivity of Morocco's rail network. The estimated cost for this ambitious extension is around 55 billion dirhams, with the route traversing the High Atlas Mountains, necessitating significant engineering efforts, including the construction of bridges and tunnels, which will account for approximately 70% of the project’s work.
The Ministry of Transport is currently exploring international funding options to finance this crucial infrastructure project. Such initiatives not only aim to bolster domestic travel but also aspire to position Morocco as a strategic transportation hub in the region.
As reported by lareleve.ma.
