(In detail) Morocco Launches Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Project for 2030 World Cup
Morocco's Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail project, initiated in April 2025, aims to cover 430 km with a top speed of 320 km/h by November 2029. With a 96 billion dirham budget, it will enhance regional connectivity, support sustainable transport, significantly shorten travel times, and prepare for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
hassan benyoub 
Morocco’s ambitious Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail project began in April 2025, set to transform travel by 2029.
Morocco’s Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) kicked off construction of the Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail (LGV) on April 26, 2025, a 430-km line designed to connect major cities at 320 km/h. With a 96 billion dirham investment, the project, championed by King Mohammed VI, aims to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable transport, and prepare for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Scheduled for completion in November 2029, the rail will slash travel times, such as Rabat to Marrakech in just 1 hour 50 minutes.
Project Overview and Specifications
The Kénitra-Marrakech LGV extends Morocco’s high-speed rail network, building on the success of the Tanger-Kénitra line launched in 2018. Spanning 430 km, the line will operate at a commercial speed of 320 km/h, with infrastructure capable of supporting 350 km/h. Key travel time reductions include:
- Tanger-Rabat: 1 hour
- Tanger-Casablanca: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Fès-Marrakech: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Rabat-Marrakech: 1 hour 50 minutes
Announced via an ONCF post on X, the project aligns with the 2030 Investment Program, emphasizing sustainable mobility and economic growth.
Investment Breakdown
The 96 billion dirham budget is allocated as follows:
Category
Amount (Billion Dirhams)
Details
Infrastructure
53
Construction of 430 km high-speed rail
Train Acquisition
29
168 trains (18 TGV by Alstom, 40 intercity by CAF, 110 regional by Hyundai Rotem)
Maintenance & Performance
14
Network upgrades and performance enhancements
Total
96
2030 Investment Program
Contracts for civil engineering, rail components, and project management have been awarded to firms like Mojazine, Alstom, and a Franco-Moroccan consortium (Egis, SYSTRA, Novec), per Systra and Challenge.ma.
Timeline and Milestones
The project follows a clear timeline to meet the 2030 World Cup deadline:
- April 2025: Construction begins.
- January 2029: Dynamic testing starts on Kénitra-Casablanca.
- May-September 2029: Testing on Casablanca-Marrakech.
- November 2029: Commercial operations launch.
This schedule, detailed by Médias24, ensures readiness for the global event.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The LGV will transform Morocco’s transport landscape, cutting travel times and boosting tourism and trade between economic hubs like Casablanca and Marrakech. ONCF Director General Mohamed Rabie Khlie, quoted by Telquel, said the project will expand Morocco’s high-speed network to 630 km, positioning it among global rail leaders.
Environmentally, the rail promotes sustainability by offering a low-carbon alternative to road travel. Passenger numbers on the existing Al Boraq line grew from 3 million in 2019 to 5.5 million in 2024, per ONCF, signaling strong demand for eco-friendly transport.
Why This Matters
The Kénitra-Marrakech LGV is a cornerstone of Morocco’s Plan Rail Maroc 2040, enhancing connectivity and showcasing the country’s infrastructure prowess ahead of the 2030 World Cup. By fostering economic growth, sustainable mobility, and global visibility, the project aligns with King Mohammed VI’s vision for a modern, connected Morocco. However, its success hinges on precise execution given the scale and complexity of the undertaking.
Key Takeaways
- Construction of the 430-km Kénitra-Marrakech LGV began in April 2025, targeting completion by November 2029.
- The 96 billion dirham project includes 53 billion for infrastructure and 29 billion for 168 new trains.
- Travel times will be slashed, such as Rabat-Marrakech in 1 hour 50 minutes, boosting tourism and trade.
- The rail supports sustainability and aligns with Morocco’s 2030 World Cup preparations.
Stay informed: Follow updates on Morocco’s high-speed rail and 2030 World Cup preparations.
Sources: ONCF, Challenge.ma, Systra, Médias24, Telquel, le360.ma, Le Desk.
