Morocco's ambitious highway project connects Marrakech and Fès

Saturday 12 April 2025 - 16:10

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's ambitious highway project connects Marrakech and Fès

Preliminary studies are officially underway in Morocco to define the technical specifications and financial arrangements for a new highway project linking Marrakech to Fès via Beni Mellal and Khénifra.

The estimated cost of this infrastructure is approximately 28 billion dirhams. According to information provided by Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment and Water, in response to a parliamentary inquiry, this project represents a significant structural axis for the territory.

“This project, which spans approximately 420 kilometers, is one of the key structuring projects for the national territory,” stated Nizar Baraka. He added that it “will connect important economic hubs such as Marrakech-Beni Mellal and Fès-Meknès, passing through other cities including Kalaa des Sraghna, Khénifra, Mrirt, and Azrou.”

The objectives assigned to this future highway are numerous. According to the provided details, its commissioning aims to reduce congestion on National Road No. 8. It is also expected to enhance road safety for users. Furthermore, the project is framed as a tool to mitigate territorial disparities and stimulate economic activity in the regions it traverses.

The necessity of this project was underscored by Deputy Mohamed Baddou, a member of the National Rally of Independents. In his inquiry to the minister, he described this highway link as a “vital project” for facilitating traffic between various cities in the kingdom. The parliamentarian also emphasized the importance of ensuring its funding and completion before the 2030 World Cup.