Al Boraq: Africa's Pioneering High-Speed Train
The San Francisco Chronicle has recently praised the rail travel experience aboard Morocco’s high-speed train, Al Boraq, which stands as the first and only high-speed railway in Africa. Operated by Morocco’s national railway company, ONCF, Al Boraq has significantly transformed travel times between Tangier in the north and Casablanca. According to a report by Joe Mathews, a journalist for the American newspaper who embarked on a journey from Casablanca to Tangier, the train covers this distance in a remarkable 2 hours and 17 minutes, effectively halving the previous travel duration of five hours.
A Testament to Engineering and Collaboration
Since its inauguration in 2018, Al Boraq has quickly gained popularity, particularly among younger travelers, as it offers a modern and efficient mode of transport. The construction of this impressive 323-kilometer railway line involved overcoming significant engineering challenges, requiring the development of 286 structures and 13 viaducts, including the iconic 3.5-kilometer Hachef viaduct located south of Tangier. The success of this ambitious project can be attributed to a combination of international partnerships, particularly with France’s national railway SNCF and engineering firm Alstom, alongside the Moroccan government’s political will to improve its transportation infrastructure. By utilizing four existing stations rather than constructing new ones, Morocco has also managed to streamline the development process.
This coastal railway represents only Phase 1 of a broader vision encompassing a 1,500-kilometer high-speed network that is expected to be completed by 2030. This ambitious timeframe coincides with Morocco's role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, further underscoring the strategic importance of this railway system. Ongoing developments include the establishment of dedicated high-speed services between Rabat and Kenitra, enhancements to commuter rail services in Casablanca, and the construction of a new high-speed line extending from Casablanca to Marrakech and beyond to Agadir. As Mathews concludes his journey, arriving punctually at Tangier station, he expresses admiration for Morocco's high-speed rail initiative, recognizing it as a model of inspiration for rail travel.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
