Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is embarking on an ambitious and transformative project with the launch of the TGV Kenitra Marrakech high-speed railway line. This project, which spans approximately 430 kilometers, is set to revolutionize the nation’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing mobility, sustainability, and connectivity. The TGV Kenitra Marrakech is not just about high-speed trains, but also about improving Morocco’s railway network, supporting economic growth, and contributing to a greener future.
The Vision Behind the TGV Kenitra Marrakech
The TGV Kenitra Marrakech is a key part of Morocco’s strategic vision for modernizing its transportation systems. This project is designed to improve national rail services, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional methods of travel. The high-speed railway line will connect major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, and will also serve airports in these cities, significantly reducing travel times.
A Step Towards Sustainable Mobility
This project is aligned with Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development, focusing on the promotion of collective mobility solutions that have a low carbon footprint. By reducing the reliance on cars and other less environmentally friendly modes of transport, the TGV Kenitra Marrakech aims to provide a greener alternative that will benefit both local communities and the environment.
Investment and Economic Impact
The total investment for this major infrastructure project is estimated at 96 billion Moroccan dirhams, which will be used for a variety of purposes, including the development of the high-speed line, the acquisition of new trains, and the modernization of urban transportation networks in key cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.
Development of a High-Speed Network
The TGV Kenitra Marrakech is expected to offer improved connections between some of the most important cities in Morocco. Once completed, the travel time between Tangier and Rabat will be reduced to just 1 hour, while the journey between Tangier and Casablanca will take only 1 hour and 40 minutes. The most significant time-saving will be between Tangier and Marrakech, with the journey time cut by more than two hours, now taking just 2 hours and 40 minutes.
In addition to this, the new high-speed line will also improve access to key infrastructure. For instance, the new line will connect Rabat to Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca in just 35 minutes, with stops at major urban areas like Benslimane.
Connecting Fès to Marrakech
Another important feature of the TGV Kenitra Marrakech project is the addition of a high-speed service between Fès and Marrakech. The new line will cut down travel time between these two cities to just 3 hours and 40 minutes, making it a convenient and efficient option for travelers.
Technical Details of the TGV Kenitra Marrakech
The TGV Kenitra Marrakech will be designed for a top speed of 350 km/h, enabling quick and comfortable journeys across the country. The project will also include several key upgrades to existing infrastructure, such as the construction of new high-speed stations, improvements to current train stations, and the development of a new maintenance center in Marrakech to ensure the efficiency and longevity of the high-speed trains.
New High-Speed Stations
The project will involve the creation of modern stations equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. These stations will be designed to accommodate high-speed trains, improving passenger experience and making travel more convenient for everyone. The development of these stations will help transform Morocco’s transport landscape, turning them into key hubs for both domestic and international travelers.
Maintenance and Infrastructure Upgrades
In addition to building new stations, the project also involves upgrading existing tracks and infrastructure to handle the high-speed trains. This includes modernizing track systems, signals, and other equipment to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the trains.
Expanding the Train Fleet
The success of the TGV Kenitra Marrakech project also depends on the availability of modern, high-performance trains. To this end, the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), Morocco’s national railway operator, has entered into a contract with Alstom, a leading French company, to purchase 18 Avelia Horizon high-speed trains.
Strengthening the Rail Fleet
In total, ONCF is investing 29 billion dirhams in the acquisition of 168 new trains, including those for high-speed services, regional routes, and urban transport. This fleet expansion will ensure that Morocco’s railway system is able to meet the growing demand for efficient, fast, and reliable transportation in the coming years.
Supporting Industrial Ecosystem
The TGV Kenitra Marrakech project also presents an opportunity to develop a local industrial ecosystem around the railway sector. The trains will be manufactured locally with over 40% of the components sourced from Moroccan suppliers. This initiative not only supports Morocco’s industrial capacity but also creates thousands of jobs, contributing to economic growth and technological advancement in the country.
Transforming Urban Mobility
One of the most exciting aspects of the TGV Kenitra Marrakech is its ability to provide a sustainable and efficient solution for urban mobility. In addition to improving long-distance travel between cities, the project also includes the development of new metropolitan transport networks in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.
New Metropolitan Transport Networks
These new networks will focus on providing rapid and reliable transportation services to urban residents, improving access to essential services, and helping reduce traffic congestion in these major cities. With improved punctuality, quality of service, and sustainability, the TGV Kenitra Marrakech will help address the growing mobility challenges facing Morocco’s urban centers.
Training and Employment Opportunities
The TGV Kenitra Marrakech project is not only about improving transportation but also about building human capital. Over the next decade, the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, both in the construction phase and through the ongoing operation and maintenance of the high-speed railway system. This will also include training programs to develop specialized skills in railway management, engineering, and technology.
A Long-Term Vision for Morocco’s Railway Sector
This comprehensive modernization program demonstrates Morocco’s long-term commitment to improving its railway infrastructure. It is not just about creating a high-speed connection between cities, but also about investing in the future of the country’s transportation network. Through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a focus on sustainability, the TGV Kenitra Marrakech is set to play a central role in Morocco’s economic and social development.
A Major Milestone for Moroccan Transportation
The TGV Kenitra Marrakech represents a transformative step forward for Morocco, one that will enhance the country’s transportation infrastructure and contribute to its economic and environmental goals. With the support of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this project is poised to create a modern, efficient, and sustainable railway system that will serve Morocco for years to come.
The launch of the TGV Kenitra Marrakech line is not just an achievement for the country but also a signal of Morocco’s growing ambition in the global transportation sector. By investing in high-speed rail, modernizing its fleet, and creating new industrial opportunities, Morocco is shaping the future of its mobility, bringing cities closer together and setting the stage for a more connected and sustainable future.