Morocco’s Kentira-Marrakech rail project received a significant boost on Thursday when King Mohammed VI initialed the $10.3 billion project. The massive investment includes a high-speed connection between Kenitra and Marrakesh, Morocco’s premier tourist hub. The 430-kilometre track will run through the country’s key cities. These include cities such as Rabat and Casablanca. Morocco aims to complete this route by 2030. Once completed, the rail will cut two hours from the trip between Marrakesh and Tangier. At a speed of 350 kilometres an hour, the journey will now only take 2 hours and 40 minutes. The journey between Rabat and Casablanca airport will also be reduced to just 35 minutes. This follows Morocco’s plan to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. State-owned rail company ONCF has also signed contracts to purchase 168 new trains. These include double-deck high-speed trains by Alstom to carry 640 passengers. Nonetheless, Morocco will significantly expand its domestic railway network.
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Significance of Morocco’s Kentira-Marrakech Rail project
The Kentira-Marrakech rail project upholds more than improving rail transportation in the country. It is also a symbol of the nation’s ambitions. The new trains will help to double the number of cities reached by 2040, ONCF stated. As a result, 87 percent of Moroccans will be within railway reach. The development will also help to support the country’s growing rail industry. The recent deals with France, Spain, and South Korea also foster international cooperation. This is a turning point for connectivity and economic growth,” said an ONCF official. In addition, the high-speed line will increase tourism since it will facilitate access to Marrakesh. Effective transport is important with the World Cup approaching in the future. Moreover, Morocco sees the Kentira-Marrakech rail project as a sustainable development investment in the long run.
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