The rail industry in Morocco is gathering pace.

The country has approved a US$10.3 billion rail extension, which includes a 430 km high-speed line to Marrakech, reports Reuters. The high-speed line will see double-decker trains, capable of cruising speeds of 320km/h, carry passengers between Kenitra on the north-western coast to Marrakech in the south, cutting the travel time by two hours to two hours and 40 minutes.

Bizcommunity reports that the rail extension is part of Morocco’s preparation plans for the 2030 Fifa World Cup, which it is co-hosting with Spain and Portugal.

The country’s state-owned rail operator, ONCF, is sourcing 168 trains from France, Spain and South Korea for about US$8 billion, with France’s Alston supplying the Avelia Horizon double-decker high-speed trains.

The other trains will service mostly intercity and urban routes. The rail operator reportedly has plans to further extend its services to 43 destinations, covering 87% of Morocco’s population, by 2040.

6 May 2025
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