The ambitious Marrakech-Agadir high-speed train project is entering a critical phase, with substantial progress reported on the preliminary and execution studies. This project, a crucial part of Morocco's extensive railway initiatives, was detailed by Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh on May 25, 2026, in Rabat. Approximately 70% of the construction work will take place in the challenging terrain of the High Atlas mountains, which involves the construction of bridges and tunnels, reflecting the project's complexity.
Estimated to cost around 55 billion Moroccan dirhams (MAD), efforts are underway to secure international funding to support its realization, as highlighted by Minister Kayouh. This development not only underscores the commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure but also marks a significant stride towards connecting key regions in Morocco.
In terms of progress, the initial section of the high-speed rail line, which extends from Kénitra to Marrakech, is already 30% complete. This segment, spanning 430 kilometers, represents an investment of approximately 53 billion MAD and is part of a comprehensive railway program valued at 96 billion MAD, deemed the most significant investment in Morocco's railway sector in the past decade.
The new generation of high-speed trains is designed to drastically reduce travel times across various routes. For instance, the trip between Tangier and Marrakech, which currently takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes, is expected to be shortened to just 3 hours and 30 minutes. Additionally, the Rabat-Tangier route will see travel times reduced from 1 hour and 20 minutes to just 1 hour. The connection from downtown Rabat to Mohammed V Airport will be trimmed to 35 minutes, and the journey from the airport to Marrakech's city center will take no longer than 55 minutes.
Moreover, the program includes the acquisition of 168 new trains and an investment of 14 billion MAD to enhance the high-speed rail system and maintain the performance of the current network. This multifaceted approach highlights Morocco's strategic vision for modernizing its railway infrastructure and improving public transportation.
In addition to the high-speed trains, Minister Kayouh announced that the project for suburban trains, akin to the RER system, has also achieved 30% completion. This is a significant milestone given the urgency of expanding urban mobility, developing public transport options, and addressing environmental concerns and traffic congestion in urban areas. The new trains will connect modern stations along the Rabat-Kénitra-Skhirate corridor, with a targeted frequency of every ten minutes to alleviate road traffic pressure.
The ONCF (National Office of Railways) is also working on upgrading the conventional Atlas trains, focusing on enhancing service quality through the procurement of new carriages for over 160 trains operating on existing lines, including those between Oujda and Marrakech. A new manufacturing plant is set to be constructed in Benguérir, specializing in the maintenance and production of railway locomotives, with an impressive local integration rate of around 62%. This investment aims to foster local expertise in locomotive production, potentially paving the way for export opportunities.
Regarding service quality, the punctuality rate of trains has surpassed 87%, and user satisfaction surveys indicate a satisfaction rate exceeding 80%. This reflects the ongoing commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers and ensuring a reliable railway service across the country.
As reported by medias24.com.
