Significant Advancements in Morocco's Rail Transport Sector
Morocco's rail transport sector is currently undergoing one of the largest modernization efforts in its history. According to the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdel-Samad Qiyouh, the completion rate of the new high-speed train line connecting Kenitra to Marrakech has reached approximately 30%. This significant milestone reflects the ongoing progress of a project that is set to revolutionize the way Moroccans travel in the coming years.
This initiative is not merely about a new railway line; it represents an advanced transport network designed to link key cities and strategic hubs across the Kingdom. The plan includes connections to Rabat, Casablanca, Mohammed V Airport, the Grand Stadium in Benslimane, and ultimately Marrakech, all aimed at reducing travel times and enhancing the quality of public transport.
Transforming Travel Times and Enhancing Connectivity
One of the most striking aspects of the project is the substantial reduction in travel time between Moroccan cities. Official data indicates that the journey from Tangier to Marrakech will take only three and a half hours, down from the previous six and a half hours. This improvement is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism, professional travel, and investments. Furthermore, the travel time between Rabat and Tangier is expected to shrink to just one hour, allowing passengers to reach Mohammed V Airport from the heart of Rabat in approximately 35 minutes, thanks to a new station being built as part of the project.
Additionally, the trip between Mohammed V Airport and Marrakech will not exceed 55 minutes, which is anticipated to enhance connectivity between airports and major cities, facilitating the movement of tourists and travelers alike. This project is part of a massive investment program valued at 96 billion dirhams, described by the minister as the largest in the rail transport sector over the last decade in Morocco.
The program entails the construction of a high-speed train line between Kenitra and Marrakech, covering a distance of 430 kilometers at a cost nearing 53 billion dirhams. It also includes the acquisition of 168 new trains and an allocation of 14 billion dirhams for the development and support of the high-speed train system, ensuring the efficiency of the existing network, and modernizing the “Atlas” trains by equipping over 160 new trains for traditional lines.
Regarding the anticipated second phase connecting Marrakech to Agadir, the minister noted that technical and engineering studies have already been completed, particularly concerning the Great Atlas, where massive bridges and tunnels will constitute the bulk of the project. Authorities are currently mobilizing international funding to realize this line, estimated to cost around 55 billion dirhams, making it one of the largest railway projects expected in the Kingdom.
Another project expected to alleviate traffic congestion within cities is the suburban train project “RER,” which has also reached a 30% completion rate. This new system, particularly along the Rabat - Kenitra - Skhirat corridor, will allow trains to run at intervals of every ten minutes, aiming to reduce congestion and encourage citizens to utilize public transport instead of private cars.
Among the remarkable transformations announced, the minister revealed plans for a new factory in Ben Guerir, dedicated to the manufacturing and maintenance of railway locomotives with a local integration rate of 62%. This initiative aims to develop a Moroccan rail industry with local competencies, not only to meet national market needs but also to potentially export to other countries in the future.
Current indicators suggest that Morocco is heading towards a new era in rail transport, especially with the focus on speed, reduced travel times, and connecting major cities with airports and economic zones. Improving service quality remains a priority, as the minister confirmed that train punctuality has exceeded 87%, while surveys have shown a satisfaction rate surpassing 80% among travelers. The greatest challenge remains the ability of these projects to change the daily commuting behavior of Moroccans and relieve pressure on the roads, particularly amidst the continuous growth of major cities and the rising demand for faster and more comfortable means of transport.
As reported by analkhabar.com.
