Morocco's Strategic Move Towards Sustainable Mobility
In response to the burgeoning population in its major urban centers, Morocco is intensifying its investments in mass transportation systems. The development of rail transport now sits at the forefront of the national strategy aimed at fostering sustainable mobility across the country. Recently, the National Office of Railways of Morocco (ONCF) embarked on a significant initiative by signing contracts with South Korean firms Hyundai Rotem and KORAIL. According to various local media sources, these partnerships are set to enhance the operational capacity of Morocco's railway network.
Under the terms of the agreements, Hyundai Rotem will be responsible for the maintenance of the rolling stock over a period of 20 years, while KORAIL will oversee quality control, production monitoring, and the transfer of expertise. The financial implications of Hyundai Rotem's contract are substantial, amounting to approximately 748.2 billion won, which is roughly equivalent to 487 million USD. This investment aligns with ONCF's broader program, which includes the procurement of 110 double-decker trains designed to boost the rail capacity of the Kingdom.
The newly ordered train sets, engineered to operate at maximum speeds of 160 km/h, are particularly aimed at enhancing service to key areas within the Casablanca region. This initiative is part of Morocco's Strategic Vision 2040, which outlines an ambitious plan involving 96 billion dirhams (around 10.3 billion USD) dedicated to improving mobility infrastructure. Notably, approximately 20 billion dirhams of this budget will be allocated exclusively to projects within Casablanca.
Among the pivotal projects under this vision is the upcoming Casablanca-South station, which is expected to handle up to 12 million passengers annually. This station is poised to become a critical intermodal hub, seamlessly connecting high-speed rail lines, regional transit, surface metro services, and an express link to Mohammed V Airport. Additionally, two more state-of-the-art stations are planned: one in Benslimane, near the Grand Stade Hassan II, and another within the Casablanca airport itself.
By 2040, Morocco aspires to expand its rail coverage from 23 to 43 cities, thereby facilitating access for 87% of its population, a significant increase from the current 51%. The plan also includes extending the railway network to connect 12 international airports and 12 seaports, compared to just one airport and six ports today. Such developments are not only indicative of Morocco’s commitment to improving its transportation infrastructure but also reflect its ambition to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable mobility solutions.
As reported by agenceecofin.com.
