Morocco’s King launches construction works for Marrakech high-speed train

King Mohammed VI of Morocco chaired the launch ceremony of construction works to extend the high-speed rail network further south to Marrakech, as part of a rail development plan worth 10 billion dollars, including intercity and urban trains.

The Kenitra-Marrakech new high-speed train, will be achieved at a total cost of 5.7 billion dollars, excluding the cost of trains.

The new line will also serve Casablanca, Rabat as well as the airports of both cities.

After completion, the journey from Marrakech to Tangier will only take 2h40min, while travelers can access Casablanca airport from Rabat in only 35 minutes.

Moroccan railway operator ONCF had already announced it will purchase 18 high speed trains from France’s Alstom.

The deal is part of 168 trains that ONCF plans to acquire as it expands the rail network to cover more cities.

The new trains will cost 3 billion dollars with the aim of strengthening regional services, and meeting the expected increase in traffic by 2030.

Besides the high-speed trains, Morocco will acquire 40 trains for line services, 60 rapid shuttle trains (TNR), and 50 for the public transport network in the three metropolitan areas of Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech.

This ambitious train acquisition program will also enable the emergence of an industrial railway ecosystem, targeting a local integration rate exceeding 40%.