In a major step to strengthen Morocco’s leadership in infrastructure development, King Mohammed VI officially launched the construction of the Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail (HSR) line on April 24.
The 430-kilometer corridor will connect the country’s political, economic, and tourism hubs — Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech — significantly cutting travel times and reinforcing Morocco’s long-term mobility strategy.
Already home to Africa’s only operational HSR system — the Al Boraq line between Tangier and Kenitra — Morocco is doubling down on its rail ambitions with this new project, positioning itself as a model for sustainable transport and regional integration.
The Kenitra–Marrakech project is the flagship component of a $9.5 billion national railway plan, which also includes the purchase of 168 next-generation trains and the development of new urban transit systems in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.
The HSR extension alone will cost over $5 billion and is designed to support speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 mph).
Once operational, the extended line will connect Tangier to Marrakech in just 2 hours and 40 minutes — cutting more than two hours off the current travel time.
It will also allow passengers to reach Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport from Rabat in just 35 minutes, strengthening critical links for travelers and investors alike.
Beyond improving intercity connections, the project will help decongest existing railways, making room for expanded regional and suburban commuter services — an urgent need for cities like Casablanca, where traffic congestion and air pollution are growing concerns.
According to Morocco’s Royal Palace, the new rail line is not just about transportation — it is a strategic lever to boost national competitiveness.
Morocco is using the project to foster a homegrown industrial ecosystem, targeting over 40% local content for train manufacturing.
This will be supported by a new industrial unit and a long-term maintenance joint venture between national railway operator ONCF and leading global rail companies.
The plan is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and offer technical training programs to build a specialized Moroccan workforce in advanced rail technologies.
Companies involved include France’s Alstom (high-speed trains), Spain’s CAF (intercity rolling stock), and South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem (commuter trains), with financing structured under favorable terms.
Over the past two decades, Morocco’s consistent investment in infrastructure — from the Tanger Med Port to expanding airports and road networks — has established it as a major logistics and transportation hub in North Africa.
The growing HSR network is the latest addition to this strategy, enhancing connectivity, reducing carbon emissions, and improving urban living standards while aligning with Morocco’s green commitments and climate-resilient goals.
Morocco’s success with high-speed rail is already inspiring interest across Africa. Several West African countries have sought advice on replicating Morocco’s model, with ONCF now serving as an advisor for regional rail initiatives.
Beyond infrastructure, Morocco’s rail ambitions reflect a broader economic doctrine: invest in modern infrastructure, nurture competitive industries, and export expertise.
The rail sector — combining mobility, manufacturing, and logistics — is emerging as a central pillar of Morocco’s new economic diplomacy.
