German loan for modernization of Casablanca rail network

Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF) has secured a $225 million loan from German development bank KfW to modernize Casablanca region railway network.

The German funding follows a $350 million loan approved by the World Bank in June, both supporting the “Service Intra-métropolitain Rapproché” (SIR) program.

The SIR seeks to establish an electrified passenger rail service, connecting the urban center with suburban areas such as Zenata, Mohammedia, Nouaceur, and Bouskoura.

The program will utilize a 73-kilometer brownfield right-of-way to expand track capacity and enhance existing rail infrastructure, including electrical systems and signalling, with a focus on climate resilience. This effort aims to alleviate congestion on existing lines and boost freight capacity to the port of Casablanca.

By June 2031, the SIR program is expected to deliver substantial benefits, including improved access to sustainable transport infrastructure for over 560,000 residents. It will also enhance job accessibility, with a seven percent increase in workplace locations reachable by passenger rail services within 45 minutes.

The upgrade ill also improve access to critical services, with a 7.3 percent increase in service locations accessible within the same travel time using passenger rail services.