King Mohammed VI launched on Wednesday in Casablanca construction works of several major railway projects worth over $ 2.2 billion to modernize urban mobility, enhance regional rail transport and reduce carbon emissions.
These projects are part of comprehensive program designed to support the steady development of the railway sector, following the launch, in April of the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line (430 km). It also seeks to develop regional connections between Kenitra and Casablanca, improve mobility within the urban areas of Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech and foster a new national railway industry ecosystem.
This integrated program reflects the Sovereign’s enlightened vision to enhance the national railway network and aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy spearheaded by the Monarch for sustainable development and deployment of low-carbon mobility solutions for commuters.
The projects, financed 70% by the National Railways Office and 30% by the region, include the construction of three major new-generation stations, the establishment of 10 new local metropolitan train stations, the upgrade and adaptation of 5 existing stations for these local trains, the creation of 260 km of new railway lines, the construction and widening of 50 civil engineering structures, the building of 2 technical centers (Zenata and Nouaceur) and 5 maintenance workshops, as well as the acquisition of 48 new trains for local and regional services.
These initiatives aim to develop a sustainable regional transport system, strengthen daily mobility for passengers, contribute to socio-economic development and urban planning, and support the Kingdom’s national objectives for 2030.
Regarding the three major new-generation stations, they will be integrated, high-performance structures offering enhanced territorial connectivity. One such project is the “Casablanca-South” Station. Its construction works were launched Wednesday by the King at the Hay Hassani district.
With an investment of over $ 77 million, this project involves building a new facility equipped with cutting-edge technology meeting international standards for safety, security, and service quality.
With an annual capacity of 12 million passengers, the future “Casablanca-Sud” station will have 6 platforms and 10 tracks to accommodate the “Al Boraq” high-speed trains, long-distance trains, local metropolitan trains, regional trains, and the “Aero-Express” train, which will serve Mohammed V Airport from Casa-Port station every 15 minutes. It will also feature 20,000 m² of outdoor facilities and a 700-space parking lot.
Designed to handle growing passenger flows and foster a dynamic business district, the “Casablanca-South” Station will offer seamless connections to the tram, high-service buses, regular buses, and taxis, making it a strategic intermodal hub.
The second new-generation station is the “Hassan II” Grand Stadium station in Benslimane, which, with investments of about $ 50 million, will be able to accommodate up to 12 million passengers per year during the operational phase.
There is also the new station at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, which will cost $ 33 million and will have a capacity of 5 million passengers per year. These three major new-generation stations will be completed within 24 months.
As for the new metropolitan commuter train stations, they will help improve mobility in Casablanca and the surrounding region through the new commuter rail service that will be launched by 2030, offering a frequency of up to one train every 7.5 minutes.
Three main lines, covering a total of 92 km, will be developed, providing efficient connections between the main urban and suburban centers, while ensuring access to strategic sites such as the Hassan II stadium and Mohammed V International Airport.
Ten new stations will be built for $ 69 million, guaranteeing comfort, accessibility and efficiency for travellers. These are “Mohammedia – Faculties,” “Zenata,” “Sidi Bernoussi,” “Ain Sbâa,” “Hay Mohammadi,”Ville Nouvelle,” “Mers Sultan,” “Oasis,” “Sidi Maârouf” and “Nouaceur.” The existing stations will also be modernized to fully integrate the metropolitan commuter train. It should be noted that, once the commuter trains are in service, 150,000 passengers will be transported daily on the three lines.
In addition to the three local metropolitan train lines, an airport express service will directly connect Casa-Port station to Mohammed V International Airport with shuttles running every 15 minutes. Similarly, the regional train service will be reinforced on the El Jadida and Settat lines with shuttles running every 30 minutes.
To meet regional and local mobility needs, there are plans to purchase 48 railcars with a capacity of over 1,000 seats that operate at a speed of 160 km/h, at a cost of $ 772 million (excluding tax).
South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem, selected to supply these trains, will set up a factory in the country, which will be part of the railway ecosystem and a benchmark site designed to meet future national needs and thus contribute to the realization of medium-term export ambitions.
All these integrated projects will benefit local communities in terms of job creation, safety, and environmental protection, while helping to improve citizens’ living conditions and create added value.