Strengthening rail infrastructure | L’Economiste
Extension of the High-Speed Line (HSL) to Marrakesh, modernization of the national fleet, development of public transport networks in three conurbations and emergence of an industrial ecosystem… The rail infrastructure is being strengthened with the launch of a 96 billion dirhams (USD 9.6 billions ) transformative program. Last week, at the Rabat-Agdal railway station, the Sovereign launched work on the 430-kilometer (267 miles) Kenitra-Marrakesh HSL. The project is designed to improve the national rail offering.
This transformative project has a budget of 53 billion dirhams (USD 5.3 billion) (excluding rolling stock). It is part of an ambitious program involving a total investment of 96 billion Dirhams (USD 9.6 billion), which also includes the acquisition of 168 trains for an amount of 29 billion Dirhams (USD 2.9 billion). These are intended to renew the existing fleet of the National Railroads Office (ONCF) and support development projects, as well as maintaining performance for 14 billion Dirhams (USD 1.4 billion). This will enable the development of three metropolitan transport networks in the Casablanca, Rabat , and Marrakesh conurbations.
The Kenitra-Marrakech HSL project involves the creation of a high-speed rail link between the cities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakesh, serving the airports of Rabat and Casablanca. With this new project, journey times will be 1s hour between Tangier and Rabat, one hour and 40 minutes between Tangiers and Casablanca and 2 hours and 40 minutes between Tangiers and Marrakesh (a time saving of more than two hours). The project will also link Rabat to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport in 35 minutes, serving the new Benslimane stadium. A high-speed service is also planned between Fez and Marrakesh, with a journey time of 3 hours and 40 minutes (with high-speed trains running on the conventional line from the city of Fez to north of Kenitra, before continuing on the new high-speed line to Marrakesh).
The Kenitra-Marrakesh high-speed line project includes the design and construction of a new line between Kenitra and Marrakech, designed for a speed of 350 kilometers (217 miles) / hour, upgrades to the terminal areas of Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakesh (work on existing tracks), rail equipment and the construction of new high-speed stations. Added to this are local train stations and the upgrading of existing stations, as well as the construction of a maintenance center for trainsets in Marrakech. The completion of the Kenitra-Marrakesh HSL extension will free up capacity on the conventional network. In addition to the development of a major Local Metropolitan Train (LMT) service covering part of the public transport needs of the inhabitants of the Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakesh conurbations.
ONCF launches program to acquire 168 new trains
To coincide with the launch of the new Kenitra-Marrakesh High Speed Line project, ONCF is launching a program to acquire 168 new trains. The aim is to strengthen and rejuvenate the company’s entire fleet of passenger rolling stock. Mobilizing an investment of 29 billion Dirhams (USD 2.9 billion), this acquisition program will enable ONCF to achieve operational performance gains, strengthen regional services, and meet the traffic growth expected by 2030. In concrete terms, this acquisition covers 18 high-speed trains for extension projects, 40 trains for mainline services, 60 fast shuttle trains (TNR) and 50 for the mass transit network in the 3 conurbations. This rolling stock acquisition program will also enable the emergence of an industrial rail ecosystem. With a local integration rate of over 40%, the program reflects a strong commitment to Moroccan business and skills.
Fatim-Zahra TOHRY
