The ambitious high-speed rail project connecting Kénitra and Marrakech has recently made significant progress, leading to the appropriation of over 13 hectares of land in Mohammedia. These plots, which were previously designated as forest areas, are set to be reallocated to the public railway domain, thus facilitating the construction of this vital transportation link.
On July 2, 2026, two decrees were signed, declaring the necessity of withdrawing several parcels from the forest regime, paving the way for the future high-speed rail line. The first operation involves a total of 3 hectares, 45 ares, and 91 centiares located in the municipality of Beni Yakhlef, while the second encompasses 9 hectares, 55 ares, and 26 centiares spread across the municipalities of Chellalate and Mohammedia. In total, the Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed train project will utilize 13 hectares, 1 are, and 17 centiares, which translates to over 130,000 square meters in the Mohammedia prefecture.
These decisions are documented in the official bulletin number 7527 dated July 20, 2026. It is essential to clarify that this process does not involve traditional expropriation of private landowners. Instead, the targeted lands will first be removed from the forest regime, subsequently integrated into the state's private domain, and finally transferred to the public domain for railway development purposes.
Investments for Reforestation
The commercial value of the initial parcels has been assessed at 4,842,740 dirhams, while the second set is valued at 955,260 dirhams. Consequently, the total financial outlay for this operation amounts to 5,798,000 dirhams. This amount will be disbursed by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics through the National Office of Railways, directed towards the fund responsible for the reutilization of state assets. Notably, these funds will be specifically allocated for the acquisition of land intended for reforestation efforts, ensuring that environmental considerations are taken into account amidst this infrastructural development.
In related news, the authorities in the Settat province have announced the completion of expropriation formalities for 996 plots totaling 552 hectares to facilitate the construction of the high-speed rail line (LGV). The rapid advancement of the Kénitra-Marrakech mega-project reflects Morocco's commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure and connectivity.
As reported by bladi.net.
