The National Railways Office (ONCF) has announced significant temporary adjustments to train services in Morocco over the upcoming weeks as construction progresses on the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line (LGV). This new development in railway infrastructure, alongside similar renovations on conventional lines, necessitates these changes to maintain optimal safety and service continuity during this construction phase.
According to a statement from ONCF, these adjustments will occur in two distinct stages. The first stage will take place on September 5 and 6, during which specific changes will be implemented that may affect various train routes. From 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, to 11 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, travelers may experience disruptions as certain train services are altered or suspended. To mitigate the impact on passengers, ONCF has outlined alternative solutions to ensure continued transportation availability. For instance, trains on the El Jadida Train Navette Rapide (TNR) line will only operate up to Bouskoura, with onward connections available to Al Atlas trains. Similarly, the Settat TNR line will be temporarily suspended, redirecting travelers to Al Atlas services. Additionally, the Airport TNR link will not operate, and shuttle buses from Supratours will replace this service. The direct train service between Safi and Casablanca will also be paused during this period, while operations on the Khouribga line will be limited to Berrechid, with connections to Al Atlas trains also available. Passengers are advised that Al Atlas trains may experience delays and modified travel times.
In anticipation of the upcoming changes, ONCF has committed to enhancing its information and support systems to keep travelers informed and assist them in navigating through these adjustments. The second stage will introduce a new transport plan beginning September 14, which will align train operations with the ongoing construction work. This plan aims to maintain service while minimizing the effects on passengers by implementing further adjustments to routes, altering timetables, and shortening certain services. Notably, some stations, including the Facultés and Ennassim stations, will face gradual closures.
To aid passengers in planning their journeys effectively, ONCF will provide comprehensive details regarding these changes and their implications on travel routes starting the week of September 7. Information will be made available in stations, on trains, and through various digital platforms managed by ONCF.
This initiative is part of one of Morocco's most ambitious infrastructure projects, which began under the auspices of King Mohammed VI on April 24, 2025, at Rabat-Agdal station. The Kenitra-Marrakech line, extending 430 kilometers, will complete the existing Tangier-Kenitra route and is part of an extensive MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) national railway program, with the line itself allocated a budget of MAD 53 billion ($5.3 billion) excluding rolling stock. Designed for speeds up to 350 kilometers per hour, this high-speed rail line is set to revolutionize travel times across key routes in Morocco, significantly reducing the journey from Tangier to Marrakech to just 2 hours and 40 minutes, while also enhancing connectivity between major cities and the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.
The construction phases are projected to continue from September 2025 until the end of 2027, with the line expected to be operational by 2029, ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Travelers are encouraged to verify their train schedules prior to embarking on journeys through ONCF's official channels, including the oncf-voyages.ma booking site, the ONCF Voyages mobile application, the customer relations center at 2255, and the M’ONCF chatbot at 06 67 65 22 55.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
