Morocco is preparing to welcome a new train manufacturing factory, an ambitious project announced by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, during a session in the House of Representatives.
This project marks a turning point for the national railway industry, by offering not only increased autonomy to the National Railway Office (ONCF), but also export prospects to other African countries.
In response to a question from the Istiqlalien parliamentary group of unity and egalitarianism, Mr. Kayouh specified that this factory will support the ONCF’s needs for trains and will promote regional expansion thanks to exports to several African countries.
This project is part of an ambitious program contract between the State and the ONCF, with a budget of 87 billion dirhams, which aims to develop the high-speed train line (TGV) and to improve current rail infrastructure.
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The minister stressed that these projects will help raise the quality of rail transport in Morocco, where the number of passengers transported reached 53 million in 2023 and is expected to rise to 55 million by the end of the year. One of the strong points of the program is the creation of a TGV line linking Kenitra to Marrakech, which will reduce travel time to three hours.
Questioned by the socialist-opposition group Ittihadi on the development of the railway network, Mr. Kayouh highlighted the ONCF’s strategic plan for 2040. This plan provides for the addition of 1,300 km of new high-speed lines and 3,800 km of conventional lines, bringing the number of cities served from 23 to 43. Thus, it is expected that 87% of the national population will be covered by rail transport by 2040, compared to 51% currently.
This ambitious program also provides for the creation of 10 regional centers, strengthening connections between regions and promoting economic and social development on a national scale.
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