On Wednesday, King Mohammed VI launched major railway projects in Casablanca, with an investment value of 20 billion dirhams, significantly impacting mobility in the economic capital region.
These projects are part of a comprehensive program with a total budget of 96 billion dirhams, aiming to support the rapid development of the rail sector and enhance sustainable urban mobility, in line with the royal vision for sustainable development and the promotion of low-carbon public transport solutions.
Comprehensive Program for Railway Sector Development
These projects align with the King’s vision to improve the national rail network and include several strategic objectives, such as:
- Keeping pace with rail growth: The launch of the high-speed train line between Kenitra and Marrakech (430 km) in April.
- Developing regional connectivity: Between Kenitra and Casablanca, improving mobility within the urban areas of Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.
- Establishing a railway industrial system: Aiming to boost the national economy through the development of a local railway industry.
Key Projects to Enhance Mobility
The railway projects, financed 70% by the National Office of Railways (ONCF) and 30% by the region, include:
Establishment of Three Major State-of-the-Art Stations:
- Casablanca South Station: With an investment of 700 million dirhams, this station will accommodate 12 million passengers annually. It will feature six platforms and ten railway tracks to serve the high-speed “Al Boraq” trains, regional trains, and suburban trains, along with the “Aero-Express” linking Casablanca Port to Mohammed V Airport every 15 minutes. Additional facilities will occupy 20,000 square meters, with a parking area for 700 cars, designed for integration with other transport networks like trams and buses.
- Grand Stadium Station in Benslimane: With an investment of 450 million dirhams, it aims to serve 12 million passengers annually.
- Mohammed V International Airport Station: With a budget of 300 million dirhams, it will accommodate 5 million passengers annually. These stations are expected to be completed within 24 months.
Construction of 10 New Suburban Train Stations: With a budget of 625 million dirhams, these stations will be built within 20 months, located in “Mohammedia-Colleges,” “Zenata,” “Sidi Bernoussi,” and “Nwaasir,” featuring harmonious architectural designs to ensure comfort and efficiency for travelers, along with updates to existing stations to integrate with this system.
Infrastructure Development: Including the creation of 260 km of new railway lines, building and expanding 50 engineering facilities, establishing two technical centers (Zenata and Nwaasir), and five maintenance workshops.
Purchase of 48 New Trains: At a cost of 7 billion dirhams, these trains, with speeds of 160 km/h and a capacity of over 1,000 seats, will address regional and suburban transport needs. Korean company Hyundai Rotem will supply these trains, alongside the establishment of a local manufacturing plant as part of the railway industrial system.
Impact of the Projects on Development
These projects aim to:
- Enhance sustainable mobility: By developing an efficient regional transport system that connects urban centers.
- Support social and economic development: Through job creation and improved living conditions.
- Align with national goals: Especially looking toward 2030, by providing modern infrastructure to support urban development.
New Mobility Services
- Suburban Trains: Three main lines covering 92 km, with trains running every 7.5 minutes, targeting 150,000 passengers daily.
- Aero-Express Train: Connecting Casablanca Port station to Mohammed V Airport every 15 minutes.
- Enhanced Regional Trains: On the routes to Joudia and Settat, with services every 30 minutes.
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