High-Speed Rail Project to Revolutionize Transport in Morocco
The Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line is on track to commence operations by September 2029, as announced by Abdessamad Kayouh, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, during a recent session in the House of Representatives dedicated to the expansion of rail transport in the country. This ambitious project, which spans approximately 430 kilometers, has reached nearly 30% completion. Once operational, it is expected to drastically reduce travel times between the northern and central regions of Morocco, with the journey from Rabat to Marrakech anticipated to cut down to 1 hour and 40 minutes from the current four hours.
Minister Kayouh also provided updates on the second phase of the project aimed at extending the high-speed line towards Agadir. He noted that feasibility studies for this extension have already been completed. This subsequent phase promises to enhance connectivity and accessibility to the southern regions of Morocco, fostering economic growth and development.
Marrakech-Agadir Route: A Significant Investment
The proposed Marrakech-Agadir segment of the rail line is projected to cost around 55 billion dirhams. This critical infrastructure will traverse the challenging terrain of the Haut Atlas mountains and will include a significant amount of engineering works, with approximately 70% of the construction dedicated to bridges and tunnels. The Ministry is actively seeking international funding to support this phase of the project, which aims to better integrate the southern part of the Kingdom into the high-speed rail network, ensuring efficient travel and transport options for residents and visitors alike.
As reported by lebrief.ma.