Morocco Unveils $9.6 Billion Railway Modernization Plan Ahead of 2030 World Cup

The Moroccan railway network will undergo a metamorphosis by 2030. According to the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, an envelope of 96 billion dirhams will be allocated for modernization work, in preparation for the 2030 World Cup that Morocco is jointly organizing with Spain and Portugal. An amount of 29 billion dirhams will be used to acquire 168 new generation trains, including 18 high-speed trains and 150 multi-service trains, it is specified.

Speaking on Tuesday before the Infrastructure, Energy and Mines Committee of the House of Representatives, Kayouh indicated that efforts will focus on extending the high-speed line to Marrakech, at a cost of 53 billion dirhams. This ambitious project includes the construction and renovation of 40 stations, for an amount of 14 billion dirhams, the minister announced, also announcing that the government is also considering building a local train production plant, with the help of international experts.

In addition, the National Railway Office (ONCF) will enter into a strategic partnership with manufacturers to ensure infrastructure maintenance, while optimizing costs, in order to strengthen the economic viability of this investment program, which is part of the performance contract between the State and the ONCF, with a colossal budget of 87 billion dirhams, aimed at improving the quality of existing rail infrastructure.