Overview of the Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Viaduct
The construction of the Montée de Settat viaduct is a significant aspect of the ambitious Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed railway project in Morocco. This impressive structure spans a total length of 1,400 meters and is set to cost approximately 900 million dirhams. With its strategic importance for enhancing rail connectivity between major Moroccan cities, the viaduct is a testament to the country's commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
The Montée de Settat viaduct is designed with 29 supports and features 28 spans, each measuring 50 meters in length. The height of these spans varies significantly, ranging from 6 to 36 meters, which illustrates the engineering challenges that have been addressed during the construction process. The project incorporates substantial technical resources, utilizing around 7,700 tons of steel framework and 62,500 cubic meters of concrete. To ensure the stability of the structure, the foundations are supported by 9.5 kilometers of piles.
Initiated on April 24, 2025, by His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the Rabat-Agdal station, this high-speed rail line extends the existing Al Boraq line, currently operational between Tangier and Kénitra. The new line will connect major urban centers, including Rabat and Casablanca, before reaching Marrakech, significantly reducing travel times across these regions.
The high-speed line is engineered to accommodate speeds of up to 350 km/h, with an overall project cost estimated at 53 billion dirhams, excluding rolling stock expenses. This venture is part of a larger railway investment strategy amounting to 96 billion dirhams, which encompasses the acquisition of 168 trains valued at 29 billion dirhams and 14 billion dirhams allocated for maintaining network performance.
As of May 25, 2026, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, reported a 30% completion rate for the project, with the expected delivery date set for September 2029. This development reflects Morocco's ongoing efforts to enhance its transportation network and promote economic growth.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
