Morocco’s flagship high-speed rail expansion between Kenitra and Marrakech is gaining tangible momentum, one year after its launch by King Mohammed VI, marking a decisive step in the country’s most ambitious rail modernization program to date.
The project forms part of a broader national railway transformation led by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer), backed by a total investment of 96 billion dirhams (approximately $10.38 billion). At its core is the construction of a new 430-kilometer high-speed line linking Kenitra to Marrakech, with 53 billion dirhams allocated specifically to infrastructure and equipment.
The wider program also includes the acquisition of 168 new trains, with an investment of 29 billion dirhams aimed at modernizing and expanding Morocco’s rolling stock. An additional 14 billion dirhams has been earmarked to maintain and enhance service quality across the existing rail network.
After a year of implementation, progress has accelerated across multiple fronts. Land acquisition for the high-speed corridor is now nearly complete, reflecting strong coordination between public authorities and stakeholders. This milestone has enabled sustained on-the-ground momentum, with the project firmly on track for completion ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Construction activity has intensified across all sections of the line. Civil engineering works, including earthworks and major structures, are advancing steadily in line with planned targets. To date, approximately 20 million cubic meters of excavation and embankment have been completed.
Significant headway has also been made in engineering structures, with 15 major bridges and three tunnels already completed at key locations, including Casablanca Airport, Zenata, and Ain Atiq, totaling 1.5 kilometers in length. In parallel, work has begun on 92 additional rail and road bridge structures.
Railway equipment installation is progressing according to schedule. So far, nearly 2.5 million tons of ballast, 800,000 tons of sleepers, and over 100,000 tons of rails have been secured, alongside 220 track-switching systems to support ongoing construction.
Simultaneously, work has commenced on operational sections of the network, where track-laying activities are advancing rapidly. Preparations are also underway for the deployment of signaling systems, ensuring alignment with the project’s timeline.
On the passenger infrastructure front, architectural designs for stations have been finalized. The first phase of station development was launched in early 2026, with construction of all stations expected to begin by July 2026.
Beyond its infrastructural scope, the program is emerging as a powerful driver of economic development. Around 150 companies have already been mobilized across various components of the project, with Moroccan firms accounting for roughly two-thirds, highlighting the strong participation of the national private sector.
This momentum underscores the structural impact of the ONCF-led program on Morocco’s economy, particularly in strengthening local expertise, promoting domestic industrial capabilities, and positioning the country as a regional leader in modern rail infrastructure.
