Morocco Aims to Slash Train Travel Times Ahead of 2030 World Cup

The National Railway Office (ONCF) already expects record attendance. In 2024, around 53 million passengers took the train, a figure that could rise to 55 million by the end of the year. The high-speed Al Boraq trains alone have transported 5 million people. To cope with the influx of visitors expected in 2030, Morocco is investing massively. No less than 85 billion dirhams are allocated to the modernization of the existing network and the transition from thermal to electric locomotives.

The Kenitra-Marrakech line is attracting all the attention. This large-scale project, which will pass through Rabat, will also serve the future Grand Stadium of Benslimane.

Abdessamad Kayouh stated: "the travel time between Kenitra and Marrakech will be reduced from the current 7 hours to only 2 hours and 45 minutes". A considerable time saving that will allow supporters to quickly reach the different competition sites. The minister also announced the connection of this axis to the new terminal of Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca. The Grand Stadium of Benslimane, presented as the largest in the world, will thus be directly connected to the airport.

Studies are underway for new rail lines, including one between Marrakech and El Jadida, whose preliminary studies will be completed in the next six months. Another line between Chichaoua and Essaouira is also under study.