King Mohammed VI has officially launched the construction of the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line at the Rabat-Agdal train station, marking a transformative milestone in Morocco’s transport infrastructure.

The 430-kilometre project reflects the King’s vision for sustainable development and aligns with Morocco’s strategic focus on low-carbon, collective mobility solutions.

Designed to strengthen the national rail network, the initiative aims to make rail transport a central pillar of an inclusive and sustainable mobility system.

With a budget of MAD 53 billion (excluding rolling stock), the new line is part of a broader MAD 96 billion national rail program.

This includes the acquisition of 168 new trains for MAD 29 billion to modernise the fleet, support development projects, and maintain operational excellence.

An additional MAD 14 billion will be invested in developing three metropolitan transport networks across Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.

The Kenitra-Marrakech line will provide high-speed connections between Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, while also linking Rabat and Casablanca airports.

Travel time from Tangier to Rabat will be reduced to 1 hour, Tangier to Casablanca to 1 hour 40 minutes, and Tangier to Marrakech to 2 hours 40 minutes—cutting more than two hours off the current journey.

The project will also offer a 35-minute connection between Rabat and Mohammed V International Airport, with service to the new Benslimane stadium.

Additionally, a high-speed route between Fez and Marrakech is planned, taking three hours and 40 minutes. Trains will travel on conventional lines from Fez to Kenitra before switching to the new high-speed track.

The project includes designing and building a line engineered for speeds of up to 350 km/h, constructing new high-speed and local stations, upgrading existing ones, and establishing a maintenance centre in Marrakech. It will also enhance terminal infrastructure in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.

By freeing capacity on the conventional network, the high-speed extension will enable the launch of major metropolitan train services in the three cities, offering improved punctuality, service quality, and environmental benefits.

To complement the expansion, ONCF is undertaking a historic train acquisition program. The 168 new trains include 18 for high-speed lines, 40 for intercity routes, 60 shuttle trains, and 50 for public transport in urban centres.

This initiative is expected to improve performance, expand service, and accommodate projected traffic growth by 2030.

With over 40% local integration, the program supports Morocco’s industrial development, offering strong prospects for economic growth, lower transport costs, and job creation.

It includes setting up a local train manufacturing unit, building a supplier ecosystem, and forming a joint venture with ONCF for train maintenance.

Over the next decade, the program will train specialised talent and generate thousands of jobs.

This rail modernisation effort is being delivered with the support of top-tier global partners: Alstom (France) for high-speed trains, CAF (Spain) for intercity trains, and Hyundai Rotem (South Korea) for metropolitan trains—all secured under preferential financing agreements.

With the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line and the broader modernisation effort, Morocco is ushering in a new era of rail travel—faster, greener, and more connected.