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Morocco Launches Major Railway Upgrade: New Rabat Station Construction Begins

Friday 9 February 2024, by Said

The National Railway Office (ONCF) has just announced the start of work on the construction of a new station in Hay Ryad as well as the resumption of work at the Rabat-Ville station.

These projects are part of an ambitious program to modernize railway infrastructure across Morocco, and they are particularly significant in the capital. The new Hay Ryad station, designed as a bridge station, will play a key role in connecting two important avenues and serving strategic sites such as the Moulay Abdellah sports complex. In addition to its transport functions, it will integrate shops and parking, fitting into a vision of the station as a center of life.

Furthermore, the ONCF is making progress in its transition to greener energy, with 90% of its trains running on electric power from renewable sources as early as the beginning of 2024. This eco-responsible shift follows the initiative launched in January 2022, where 25% of trains had already started using wind power. This approach is in line with the "Rabat, City of Lights" development project, aimed at transforming the capital into a model of sustainable development and modernity.

Regarding the resumption of work at the Rabat-Ville station, the ONCF began preparations in December 2023 before undertaking the necessary adaptations according to a new architectural concept. The initial work had been interrupted due to technical challenges and the health crisis, but this pause allowed for a heritage impact study and a review of the design, particularly of the glass roof, in order to better integrate with the surrounding architectural heritage. The ONCF is implementing exceptional means to successfully carry out this complex project, while committing to the development of sustainable mobility solutions.