Morocco's high-speed rail project highlights national workforce expertise

Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF) has underscored the significance of the nation's skilled workforce engaged in the recently inaugurated Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed line project.

Khalid Khairane, director of high-speed line projects at ONCF, announced on Thursday that the new line is on track for completion by the 2030 FIFA World Cup. He praised the capabilities of local workers involved in this ambitious undertaking, emphasizing that the high-speed line will significantly cut travel times between major cities.

Travel duration between Tangier and Rabat will be reduced to just one hour, while the journey from Tangier to Casablanca will take a mere one hour and 49 minutes. Additionally, a trip from Marrakech to Tangier will require only 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Mohammed Smouni, assistant director general at ONCF, highlighted that the project will foster territorial equity by enhancing connectivity among various regions, cities, airports, and major stadiums. He noted that this initiative will bolster Morocco’s high-speed train network, which will span over 600 kilometers. Such advancements position Morocco among the leading nations equipped with modern rail technology.

Luciano Borges, director of the rolling stock division at ONCF, spoke on the project's significance, pointing out that it will feature trains equipped with cutting-edge technology that meet the highest standards of safety and comfort. He mentioned that ONCF has initiated a program to procure 18 latest-generation high-speed trains, each capable of accommodating 641 passengers, supplied by the French manufacturer ALSTOM.

King Mohammed VI officially launched the construction of the new line at the Rabat-Agdal train station, marking a key development in a broader $9.6 billion railway enhancement program aimed at upgrading the country’s transportation infrastructure. The Kenitra-Marrakech line, budgeted at $5.3 billion, not including rolling stock, represents a significant investment in Morocco’s future.

Minister of Transport Abdelsamad Kayouh remarked that the construction launch symbolizes a new cornerstone for the national economy. He asserted that this transformative project will reduce travel distances between numerous cities by up to 70% compared to current conditions, thereby facilitating the movement of citizens and enhancing connectivity among major urban centers, particularly Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.