Morocco Sets Ambitious Plans for Railway Overhaul to Meet Growing Demand for Clean Transport

Tuesday 10 December 2024 - 15:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco Sets Ambitious Plans for Railway Overhaul to Meet Growing Demand for Clean Transport

The Moroccan government has unveiled a transformative plan to upgrade the nation's railway system, with an investment of MAD 87 billion ($8.7 billion). Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh announced this ambitious initiative on Monday, aiming to modernize the network in response to increasing demand for cleaner energy and more efficient transport options.

So far in 2024, Moroccan trains have carried 53 million passengers, a figure expected to rise to 55 million by year’s end. Among these, 5 million passengers have used the Al-Boraq high-speed train that connects Casablanca to Tangier. Additionally, the government has nearly completed the high-speed rail line linking Kenitra to Marrakech, passing through Casablanca Airport. By 2029, this route will slash travel time to Marrakech to just 2 hours and 45 minutes, down from the current 7-hour journey.

In parallel, plans for a new rail line connecting Marrakech to Agadir are progressing and could be operational by mid-2025. The National Railways Office (ONCF) will also spend nearly MAD 10 billion ($1 billion) between 2025 and 2027 to acquire new trains, maintain existing ones, and develop new workshops.

The Al-Boraq high-speed train continues to see impressive growth, carrying 5.2 million passengers in 2023, a 25% increase from the previous year. Total passenger numbers rose by more than 10%, reaching 53 million, while freight transport also remained robust, with 17 million tonnes of goods transported in 2023, half of which was phosphate. Revenues for ONCF in 2023 amounted to MAD 4.35 billion ($430 million), reflecting a 7% increase. The figure is expected to rise by 8% in 2024, reaching nearly MAD 5 billion ($500 million).

To further enhance urban connectivity, Casablanca will see the development of three new railway stations: Casa-South, Casablanca Grand Stadium, and Casablanca Airport. These stations will integrate with other modes of transport, including trams and buses, to ease traffic congestion in Morocco’s economic hub. Additional stations are planned for areas like Sidi Bernoussi and Hay Hassani, with construction set to begin soon.

This comprehensive overhaul of Morocco's transport sector is part of the country’s broader strategy to shift away from diesel-powered vehicles in favor of cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. By improving the railway network, the government seeks to provide smoother, more reliable travel options for citizens, ultimately supporting Morocco's long-term environmental and economic goals.