Significant Milestone Achieved for the Marrakech-Agadir High-Speed Rail Line
The ambitious high-speed rail project connecting Marrakech to Agadir has recently attained a crucial milestone, as the Moroccan government has officially declared the public utility of this railway link. Alongside this, the connection between Chichaoua and Essaouira has also been designated as a public utility. This significant decision paves the way for the necessary administrative and land acquisition procedures required for the implementation of both projects, marking a vital step forward in Morocco's transportation infrastructure development.
The declaration of public utility was formalized through decree No. 2.26.605, which was issued on September 1, 2026, and published in the official Bulletin No. 7541 on September 7. This decree pertains to several territories within the Marrakech-Safi and Souss-Massa regions, ensuring that the necessary land for future infrastructure development is made available. With this legal groundwork laid, the processes of land acquisition and, if necessary, expropriation can now commence in accordance with law No. 7.81 regarding expropriation for public utility. A detailed plan, presented at a scale of 1/50,000, outlines the proposed routes for both rail links, representing a prerequisite for the effective commencement of construction work.
Investment and Technical Challenges Ahead
The projected high-speed rail line between Marrakech and Agadir represents an estimated investment of around 55 billion dirhams. Preliminary studies related to the project have been completed, and Moroccan authorities are actively seeking international partners who can contribute to its financing and realization. However, the project is not without its significant technical challenges; the traverse through the High Atlas mountains poses a major hurdle. Nearly 70% of the planned structures may consist of bridges and tunnels due to the mountainous terrain between Marrakech and Agadir. This challenging landscape necessitates the development of complex technical solutions and meticulous planning to ensure the project's success.
The Marrakech-Agadir connection is part of the broader expansion of the Moroccan high-speed rail network. Work on the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed line began in April 2025, as part of a national railway program valued at 96 billion dirhams. The commissioning of this line is anticipated for September 2029, although no official completion date for the Marrakech-Agadir link has been announced yet. Ultimately, this infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity between the northern and southern regions of the Kingdom, facilitate travel between Marrakech and Agadir, and support the economic and tourism development of the affected areas. It could also strengthen the attractiveness of the Souss-Massa region and promote better integration among the served regions.
With the declaration of public utility, the project is transitioning from the announcement phase into a concrete administrative and land acquisition phase. The upcoming steps will primarily focus on land management, mobilizing funding, and preparing for construction work.
As reported by industries.ma.
