King Mohammed VI of Morocco has launched the construction of a groundbreaking 430km high-speed rail line connecting Kenitra to Marrakech, with an investment of MAD 96 billion (approximately Ksh 1.3 trillion). The project aims to revolutionize the nation’s rail transport by enhancing connectivity between key cities and reducing travel times, in line with Morocco’s vision for sustainable and inclusive mobility.
The Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line is part of Morocco’s broader transportation strategy to improve national rail services and create a low-carbon footprint transport network. With the new line, travel times will significantly decrease only 1 hour from Tangier to Rabat, 1 hour 40 minutes from Tangier to Casablanca, and 2 hours 40 minutes from Tangier to Marrakech. Additionally, the line will link Rabat to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport in just 35 minutes.
A key feature of the project is the creation of new high-speed stations and the modernization of existing ones in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. The new trains, designed to reach speeds of 350 km/h, will be complemented by local metropolitan networks in the Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech areas, addressing urban mobility challenges while improving service quality and punctuality.
As part of the project, Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) will acquire 168 new trains, with a budget of MAD 29 billion. This includes high-speed trains, inter-city trains, and fast shuttle services, enhancing operational performance and meeting the growing demand for passenger traffic by 2030. The acquisition program is expected to contribute to the creation of a rail-based industrial ecosystem, strengthening the local economy, and fostering job creation.
This monumental rail project also signals Morocco’s commitment to economic growth, with international companies like France’s Alstom, Spain’s CAF, and South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem lending their expertise. The Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line will undoubtedly transform Morocco’s transportation landscape, positioning it as a continental leader in sustainable mobility.
