Morocco Advances High-Speed Rail Project from Kénitra to Marrakech

A decree published in the Official Bulletin has granted this project the status of public utility, an important step for the mobilization of the land necessary for its progress. This decree covers the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Casablanca-Settat and Marrakech-Safi, following the model of the first LGV Casablanca-Tangier, declared of public utility in 2009.

The importance of the LGV Kénitra-Marrakech project was highlighted in a memorandum of understanding signed during the visit of King Mohammed VI to the United Arab Emirates. Mohamed Rabie Khlie, CEO of the National Railways Office (ONCF), highlighted the benefits of this line, in particular its ability to connect Tangier to Marrakech in three hours. He also mentioned the creation of 70 million working days and 3,700 permanent jobs during construction. At the same time, the ONCF has launched a call for tenders to acquire 168 trains, including 150 for intercity services and 18 for LGV extensions, with a budget of 16 billion dirhams.

The acquisition of new trains aims to meet the strong demand for mobility, renew the rolling stock and serve the future extension of the LGV towards Marrakech. Five years after the launch of the first Moroccan and African LGV, "Al boraq", the ONCF continues to invest in innovative and sustainable transport solutions. These investments are not limited to the purchase of trains, but also aim to develop a Moroccan railway industrial ecosystem.