Morocco to invest $10bln in rail projects by 2030

Morocco is planning to invest an additional 10 billion dollars (96 billion dirhams) to expand and develop its railway network, transport minister Abdesamad Kayouh said.

At least, 5.3 billion dollars will be spent on the high-speed rail link between Kenitra and Marrakech as well as on the development of regional trains, the minister told MPs.

Some 3 billion dollars will be allocated to the acquisition of 18 high speed trains and 150 multiservice trains, while 1.5 billion dollars will go to the renovation of 40 train stations.

By 2040, Morocco plans to connect 43 cities with the rail network, from only 23 currently, which will benefit 87% of the population.

Under the same plan, 12 airports and 12 ports will be connected to the railway network.

Works are underway to connect Nador West Med port, a deep-water hub with a capacity of 3 million TEUs, with the rail network, Kayouh said.