Morocco’s high speed TGV train, the first of its kind in Africa, is expected to transport 5 million passengers in 2023. Last year, the line attracted 4.2 million travelers and 3 million passengers in 2019.
These figures have been disclosed by Head of Moroccan railway operator (ONCF), Mohamed Rabie Khlie, during the 11th UIC High-Speed Congress convened lately in Marrakesh.
“The success of Moroccan high-speed train line, Al Boraq, has encouraged us to move forward in the process of modernizing the high-speed rail system to extend it to Marrakech and Agadir,” he added, noting the National railways office is currently conducting necessary studies on routes and funding of these extensions.
The $3 billion Al Boraq travels at a speed of up to 320 km/h reducing the travel duration from Tangier to Casablanca to 2 h 10min, instead of 4 h 45min.
The HS train service has helped Morocco to cut CO2 emissions, by reducing substantially cars traffic and coach trips. It also contributed to a decrease in road accidents.
