Exciting New Details Emerge for Morocco's LGV Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Project
Discover the latest updates on Morocco's highly anticipated LGV Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail project, including investment details, timeline, and route specifications. Learn how this ambitious initiative aims to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times between major cities, positioning Morocco as a leader in high-speed rail.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Morocco's highly anticipated high-speed rail project connecting Kénitra to Marrakech is making significant strides, with the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) unveiling new details about the ambitious undertaking.
Ambitious Timeline and Investment
The ONCF has set an ambitious timeline, aiming to obtain authorization for commercial service by late 2029. This project, part of Morocco's broader plan to link Tangier to Agadir via high-speed rail, will require an estimated investment of 42 to 50 billion dirhams for the Kénitra-Marrakech segment alone.
Technical Specifications and Route
The new line will be designed for a maximum passenger train speed of 350 km/h, although it will operate at a commercial speed of 320 km/h over a length of approximately 450 km. The route will traverse both rural areas and the metropolitan regions of Rabat, Salé, Casablanca, and Marrakech, passing through key cities and landmarks such as Sidi Ichou, Kénitra, Rabat-Agdal, Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, and the new Benslimane stadium.
Ongoing Tenders and Consultations
To meet the ambitious timeline, the ONCF is actively launching tenders and conducting public consultations. Recent tenders include the supply of track switches worth approximately 1 billion dirhams and the acquisition of 168 trains and 18 high-speed trains for line extensions, with an investment of around 16 billion dirhams.
Improved Connectivity and Travel Times
Upon completion, the high-speed rail line will significantly reduce travel times between major cities along the Atlantic axis, with the exception of Kénitra. The journey from Tangier to Casablanca will take just 1 hour and 35 minutes, bypassing Kénitra. New multimodal high-speed rail stations will be built in Rabat (Rabat-Hay Riad), Casablanca (Casa-Sud), and Marrakech (Marrakech-Palmeraie), enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the ambitious timeline, the project faces significant challenges, including the construction of new tracks, the renovation of existing lines, and the installation of new stations and infrastructure. However, the successful completion of this project will position Morocco as a leader in high-speed rail connectivity and support the country's economic and tourism development.
