Morocco’s high-speed rail connecting Casablanca and Tangier

Monday 28 April 2025 - 08:01

By: Zahouani Ilham

Morocco’s high-speed rail connecting Casablanca and Tangier

The Casablanca–Tangier High-Speed Line has become a powerful symbol of Morocco’s modernization and progress. Launched in 2018, this pioneering project the first high-speed train service in Africa has revolutionized travel between the country’s major cities and enhanced Morocco’s global standing.

In the early 2000s, Morocco introduced an ambitious rail development plan aiming for 1,500 km of high-speed tracks by 2040. Connecting Casablanca and Tanger Med was a strategic choice, linking two major economic hubs. Officially initiated in 2006, the project gained strong state support and international collaboration, particularly with France, which supplied trains and technical expertise. King Mohammed VI named the line "Al Boraq," drawing inspiration from Islamic tradition and infusing the project with cultural significance.

Following preliminary studies and the finalization of funding in 2010, construction commenced between 2011 and 2013, focusing initially on the Tanger–Kenitra section. A milestone was achieved in 2015 with the arrival of the first Alstom Euroduplex train. The project involved building 186 kilometers of new track and upgrading 160 kilometers of existing rail lines.

A new African speed record was set in 2017, when a train reached 357 km/h during testing. The line was officially inaugurated on November 15, 2018, by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron. Shortly after, Al Boraq opened to the public, dramatically improving travel along Morocco’s Atlantic corridor.

Spanning approximately 350 kilometers, the line allows speeds up to 320 km/h on its new section, reducing travel time from 4 hours 45 minutes to just about 2 hours 10 minutes. The Al Boraq fleet consists of 12 Alstom Euroduplex trains, each accommodating 533 passengers. The entire project cost around 20 billion dirhams (1.8 billion euros). In terms of ridership, about 3 million passengers were transported in 2019, and numbers climbed to 5 million in 2023, exceeding early projections. Stations along the route, such as Tanger-Ville, Kénitra, Rabat-Agdal, and Casa-Voyageurs, have been either newly built or modernized.

Beyond its technical achievements, the LGV has had a major economic impact. It created thousands of jobs and boosted trade between Casablanca and Tangier. Easier access has encouraged investment and facilitated talent mobility. Tourism has also seen a notable boost, with domestic and international travelers enjoying swift connections between cities. Tanger, in particular, has seen a rise in tourist visits.

Internationally, Al Boraq positions Morocco as a trailblazer in African transportation. It remains the only country in Africa operating a commercial high-speed rail service. This success enhances Morocco’s reputation for executing large-scale infrastructure projects and attracting foreign investments, inspiring other African nations to follow suit.

Building on this achievement, Morocco has launched the construction of the Kenitra–Marrakech High-Speed Line, announced by King Mohammed VI on April 24, 2025, at Rabat-Agdal station. This 430-kilometer expansion will be followed by a planned Marrakech–Agadir connection, further linking southern regions to the national network. The ONCF Horizon 2040 plan envisions 1,100 additional kilometers of high-speed tracks, opening new opportunities for economic growth and regional integration.

The Casablanca–Tangier line marks the beginning of a new era for rail transportation in Morocco.