ONCF's Ambitious RER Expansion in Casablanca
The National Office of Railways (ONCF) of Morocco is embarking on a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing urban mobility in Casablanca. In a recent announcement, it revealed plans to construct nine new RER (Regional Express Network) stations across the city, with two separate tenders amounting to an estimated 400 million dirhams. This initiative is a pivotal step in the ongoing development of Casablanca's RER network, designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve public transportation efficiency.
The first lot of the project is projected to cost around 180 million dirhams and will include the construction of stations at Mohammedia Facultés, Zenata Industrielle, Sidi Bernoussi, and Aïn Sebaâ. The second lot, estimated at 220 million dirhams, will cover the stations at Hay Mohammadi, Mers Sultan, Casa Oasis, Sidi Maârouf, and Nouaceur Nouvelle Ville. The construction of these stations is expected to be completed within 18 months, marking a significant milestone in the development of the city's transport infrastructure.
Enhancing Urban Mobility and Connectivity
This ambitious project is part of a broader strategy to enhance urban and suburban mobility in Casablanca. The proposed RER network will consist of three lines spanning a total of 92 kilometers, serving 18 stations, including several newly constructed ones that will facilitate seamless transit between Casablanca, Mohammedia, Benslimane, and Nouaceur. ONCF aims to provide a frequency of service that could see trains running every 15 minutes on certain routes, thereby significantly improving connectivity among key residential and economic hubs, as well as critical infrastructure like Mohammed V Airport and the future Grand Stade Hassan II.
According to ONCF's projections, the new RER system is anticipated to accommodate up to 180,000 passengers daily by 2030. This capacity enhancement is expected to play a crucial role in reducing road congestion in Greater Casablanca and expanding access to efficient public transport options. Moreover, the project is gaining momentum, particularly in terms of industrial and technological advancements. Recently, ONCF established a partnership with South Korea to leverage expertise in engineering and operational practices, thereby ensuring the successful development of this transformative transport network.
As reported by medias24.com.
