Expanding Morocco's Railway Network: A Vision for the Future
The Moroccan government has recently unveiled plans for a new investment cycle in the railway sector, set to span from 2030 to 2035. This initiative aims to enhance the existing railway network while simultaneously completing ongoing projects. Among the proposals discussed are four key lines intended to extend the railway network and strengthen connections across the country. However, two pressing questions arise from this announcement: Will Essaouira truly be connected to the high-speed train network, and what will the associated costs and timelines be?
Essaouira's Potential High-Speed Connection: A Promised Reality or Ambiguous Suggestion?
The government document indicates that the extension of the high-speed line towards Agadir will be accompanied by a connection to Essaouira. While this wording suggests a potential link between the city and the high-speed train network, it stops short of providing a definitive commitment. This announcement follows a recent decree published in the official gazette, which has reignited discussions about the possibility of the Marrakech-Agadir route passing through Essaouira.
The decree paves the way for initiating the expropriation processes required to construct a high-speed line linking Marrakech to Agadir, as well as a line connecting Chichaoua to Essaouira. This option was previously deemed unlikely due to the financial implications involved. Yet, what has changed between the initial exclusion and the current inclusion remains an unanswered question for the sources consulted by Media 24.
Including Essaouira explicitly in the government’s program serves as an additional indicator of the government's intentions, yet it does not provide the clarity needed regarding the feasibility and financing of this ambitious project.
As reported by maghrebtimes.ma.
