Al Boraq (TGV): The cult show "60 Minutes" elevates Morocco as a global model

The assessment made by journalist Jon Wertheim is unequivocal: while the high-speed rail project in California, launched in 2008, is mired in abysmal cost overruns (126 billion dollars) without a single rail laid by 2026, Morocco is the pride of Africa. For Lou Thompson, co-founder of Amtrak, the reason is simple: "They decided to do it and pay for it, we did not."

On Bladi.net: Moroccan high-speed train: how the success of Al Boraq will finance your future journeys

Inaugurated in 2018, Al Boraq connects Tangier to Casablanca in 2h10 (versus 4h45 previously), reaching a speed of 320 km/h on the Tangier-Kenitra section. According to figures from ONCF presented on April 9, 2026 in Rabat, the service transported 5.6 million passengers in 2025 (+3% compared to 2024), generating a turnover of 848 million dirhams.

The Kingdom does not intend to stop there. Since April 24, 2025, the work on the extension of the line between Kenitra and Marrakech (430 km) has been officially launched. This 53 billion dirham project will connect Tangier to Marrakech in only 2h40, while also serving the airports of Rabat and Casablanca.

On Bladi.net: Marrakech-Agadir in 1 hour by high-speed train

To support this development, ONCF has ordered 168 new trains, including 18 high-speed trainsets from the French manufacturer Alstom. This overall investment program of 96 billion dirhams is progressing according to schedule, confirming Morocco as the undisputed leader of high-speed rail on the continent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hm0_-bOB4Y