One year after the launch of the new high-speed rail project, connecting Kenitra to Marrakech, by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the National Office of Railways (ONCF) is diligently advancing this strategic initiative, which aligns with a broader national railway program. With a total budget of 96 billion dirhams, this program aims to profoundly transform Morocco's railway system, featuring the construction of the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed line, allocated 53 billion dirhams for infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, the project includes the procurement of 168 trains, requiring an investment of 29 billion dirhams, along with another 14 billion dirhams dedicated to maintaining the performance of the existing network.
According to a statement from ONCF, substantial progress has been made across all components of the program, signaling a significant shift into a phase of vigorous execution. The future high-speed rail line, stretching over 430 kilometers, has shown notable progress, with land acquisition operations now complete and nearly all land released, allowing for an acceleration of on-site work.
In terms of civil engineering, activities are advancing along the entire route. Earthworks and the construction of engineering structures are progressing according to the established schedule, with nearly 20 million cubic meters of earth moved. Significant advancements have also been made with the engineering structures, as 15 viaducts are currently under construction. Additionally, three covered trenches are underway near Casablanca Airport, Zenata, and Ain Atiq, totaling a length of 1.5 kilometers. Moreover, 92 works relating to rail and road bridges have commenced.
The procurement of railway equipment is also on track, with nearly 2.5 million tons of ballast, 800,000 tons of sleepers, over 100,000 tons of rails, and 220 switch devices supplied to support the progress of the project. Concurrently, work on operational tracks has begun on several sections, with track laying operations currently ongoing. The signaling systems are being prepared for deployment within the designated timelines.
Regarding passenger stations, the architectural concept has been finalized, and work is being conducted in a phased approach. The first phase was launched at the beginning of 2026, while all stations are expected to be underway by July 2026.
Beyond infrastructure, the program serves as a lever for national economic development. Nearly 150 direct companies are engaged in various aspects of the project, with about two-thirds being national enterprises. This mobilization reflects the structuring effect of the program led by ONCF on the Moroccan economic fabric, while also contributing to strengthening local skills, expertise, and national industrial excellence.
The future Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line thus represents a significant step towards the modernization and expansion of the national railway network. It embodies the ambition for sustainable and efficient mobility, serving the economic and territorial development of Morocco.
As reported by lematin.ma.
