The Minister of Transport, Abdessamad Kayouh, unveiled an exceptional investment plan of 96 billion dirhams to modernize and extend the national rail network by 2030. High-speed lines, modern trains, renovated stations… The objective is to transform the rail into a central pillar of the economic and social development of the Kingdom.
Morocco is adopting a bold future vision for its railway infrastructure, materialized by an exceptional investment plan of 96 billion dirhams.
This program, announced by Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics, during a meeting of the Committee on Infrastructure, Energy, Mines, Environment and Sustainable Development in the House of Representatives, aims to modernize the existing network, in order to better connect the country’s cities, ports and airports.
The objective is to make rail a central pillar of the Kingdom’s economic and social development, by facilitating trade, stimulating growth and creating thousands of jobs.
Massive investments in the railway sector
The investment plan presented by the Minister of Transport is broken down into several key components.
First, 53 billion dirhams will be allocated to the construction of the high-speed rail line between Kenitra and Marrakech, as well as to the development of regional rail transport on the existing network. This extension of the high-speed network will significantly reduce travel times between the country’s main cities and stimulate economic exchange and tourism.
Secondly, MAD 29 billion will be spent on the acquisition of 18 high-speed trains and 150 multi-service trains. This modernization of rolling stock will improve the comfort and reliability of rail services, while increasing passenger and freight transport capacity.
Finally, 14 billion dirhams will be invested in the construction or rehabilitation of around forty stations and in the maintenance of the national network. This work will improve accessibility and the quality of services in stations, as well as ensure the safety and reliability of the rail network as a whole.
A broader development plan for 2040
These projects are part of a broader development plan for the Moroccan railway network by 2040. The objective is to connect 43 Moroccan cities, compared to 23 currently, and to serve 87% of the population, compared to 51% today. today.
In addition, the plan plans to connect 12 international airports and 12 ports by rail, compared to just one airport and six ports currently. These significant improvements in connectivity will have a major impact on the economic and social development of the country, by facilitating the movement of people and goods, and creating around 300,000 jobs.
-Among the flagship projects, the rail link with Port Nador West Med. An investment of 4.3 billion dirhams is planned for this link, the construction of which is 17% complete. Detailed studies have been carried out and land acquisition procedures are underway.
Development of a railway industrial ecosystem
The increase in the needs of the National Railway Office (ONCF) for wagons represents an opportunity to develop a railway industrial ecosystem in Morocco.
Abdessamad Kayouh underlined the desire to strengthen the independence of the Kingdom in the rail transport sector, by promoting the creation of a local train manufacturing unit, the development of a system of suppliers and subcontractors, and the creation of a joint venture between manufacturers and ONCF for maintenance.
This strategy also aims to direct the industrial production unit towards export to African and European markets, thus strengthening Morocco’s position as a regional industrial hub.
Air and sea are not left out
The air transport sector is not left out, with planned investments of 42 billion dirhams by 2030. The objective is to strengthen the position of Casablanca airport as a gateway connecting Morocco to the world. , to expand the Royal Air Maroc fleet, and to support the growth of air traffic through the modernization and expansion of the country’s main airports.
Among the projects, the minister cited the development of Casablanca airport to increase its capacity to 44 million passengers per year, the construction of a new terminal at Rabat-Salé airport to accommodate 4 million passengers. per year, and the upgrading of the airports of Tangier, Marrakech, Fez, Tetouan and Agadir.
Strengthening domestic transport is also a priority, with support for the opening of new lines to open up remote areas.
MI / ECO Inspirations
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