High-speed rail project from Kenitra to Marrakech boosts Morocco's connectivity

Friday 25 April 2025 - 10:32

By: Zahouani Ilham

High-speed rail project from Kenitra to Marrakech boosts Morocco's connectivity

The launch of the Kenitra–Marrakech High-Speed Rail (HSR) line by His Majesty King Mohammed VI marks a transformative step for Morocco’s national transportation network. Designed with substantial socio-economic benefits in mind, this ambitious infrastructure project builds on the success of the Al-Boraq line and confirms high-speed rail as the most efficient and sustainable option for medium- and long-distance travel in the country.

This new HSR line will dramatically reduce travel times across major cities: just 1 hour from Tangier to Rabat, 1 hour 15 minutes from Casablanca to Marrakech, 1 hour 40 minutes from Tangier to Casablanca and from Rabat to Marrakech, and only 2 hours 40 minutes between Tangier and Marrakech saving travelers more than two hours.

Additionally, the new rail will connect Rabat to Casablanca’s airport in just 35 minutes, with a stop planned near the future Benslimane stadium. A high-speed connection between Fès and Marrakech is also on the agenda, with a total travel time of 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Serving 59% of the Moroccan population, the new HSR line will strengthen links between economic hubs that generate over 67% of the national GDP. It will stimulate job creation both directly and indirectly and energize key sectors including industry, services, and tourism.

Extending the HSR to Marrakech is expected to enhance the city’s appeal by improving accessibility from the north. Connecting Tangier, Morocco’s main maritime gateway, directly to Marrakech will boost domestic and international tourism while offering travelers a faster, more comfortable, and modern journey.

The project also supports territorial development, environmental sustainability, and the interconnection of major economic regions. It aligns with Morocco’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmentally responsible mobility.

Furthermore, the HSR extension will free capacity on the traditional rail network, allowing for the launch of new metropolitan rail services in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. These services are set to improve urban mobility through punctual, high-quality, and eco-friendly transport solutions.

Overall, this innovative high-speed rail project reinforces Morocco’s strategic focus on modernizing transportation to support its broader economic and social development goals.