King Mohammed VI has launched, on Thursday at the Rabat-Agdal train station, the 430-kilometer Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail network.
The project is 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.
A high-speed service is also planned between Fez and Marrakech, with a journey time of 3h40.
Parallel to the extension of the high-speed train network, 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.
The project launched Thursday, reflects the Sovereign’s vision regarding the improvement of the national rail service, and is in line with the Kingdom’s strategic orientations in terms of sustainable development, particularly promoting low carbon footprint collective mobility solutions.
It also illustrates Morocco’s firm determination to carry on the development of the national rail network, so that it can fully play its role as the backbone of a sustainable and inclusive transport system.