Morocco has launched the Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail (HSR) line. King Mohammed VI performed the launch ceremony on the new 430-kilometer rail corridor set to connect the nation’s key cities Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech significantly reducing travel times and enhancing mobility across the country.
The project forms part of a broader $9.5 billion national railway plan, including the purchase of 168 next-generation trains and the development of new urban transit systems in major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.
Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail line
The Kenitra–Marrakech HSR line will cost over $5 billion and is expected to support speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 mph). Once completed, it will allow passengers to travel from Tangier to Marrakech in just 2 hours and 40 minutes, slashing travel time by over two hours. Additionally, it will offer rapid access between Rabat and Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport in only 35 minutes. This project not only aims to improve intercity transport but will also help reduce congestion on existing rail networks, making room for regional and suburban commuter services.
The expansion of the high-speed rail network is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to boost its national competitiveness. As part of this plan, the country is focusing on localizing the manufacturing of the new trains, targeting a 40% local integration rate. This initiative will be supported by a new industrial unit and a joint venture for long-term maintenance between the national railway operator ONCF and global rail companies. Major international players such as France’s Alstom, Spain’s CAF, and South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem are involved in the project, with financing structured under favorable terms.
Beyond the immediate transportation improvements, this project is an integral part of Morocco’s broader economic strategy, which has already seen investments in ports, airports, and road infrastructure. The rail sector, now a central element of this vision, not only aims to connect people but also to create jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance urban living standards. Morocco’s success with high-speed rail is already attracting interest from other African nations, particularly in West Africa, which are looking to replicate Morocco’s model. Through its rail expansion, Morocco is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure while positioning itself as a hub for regional economic integration and innovation.