Morocco’s King Mohammed VI on Wednesday presided over the launch Casablanca Rail Projects. These railway projects will cost MAD 20 billion ($2 billion). Additionally, the projects are part of a wider MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) rail development program in the country.
The new railway infrastructure investments which were unveiled in Hay Hassani respond to the future mobility needs of Greater Casablanca. Also, they align with Morocco’s national strategy which seeks to promote sustainable, low-carbon transport.
Furthermore, the rail projects complement a larger plan that was initiated by the monarch in April with the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail (LGV) line. This high-speed rail line is a 430-kilometer corridor set to become one of Africa’s most ambitious rail undertakings.
Three New-Generation Stations
The initiative also includes the construction of three new-generation stations. Additionally, it entails the construction of ten additional metropolitan stations and the rehabilitation of five existing facilities. There will also be the laying of 260 kilometers of new railway track.
Furthermore, it will involve the construction of 50 engineering structures and two technicenters in Zenata and Nouaceur. Five maintenance workshops will also be established. Additionally, Morocco will acquire a total of 48 modern trainsets to strengthen metropolitan and regional services. The financing is shared between the National Railways Office – ONCF (70%) and the Casablanca region (30%).
Casablanca-South Station
One of the flagship projects is the new Casablanca-South Station. The construction of the Casablanca-South station commenced on Wednesday with an investment of MAD 700 million ($70 million).
The station is designed to accomodate 12 million passengers annually. Furthermore, the station will integrate six platforms and ten tracks that will serve Al Boraq high-speed trains, long-distance routes, regional services, metropolitan shuttles, and a dedicated “aero-express” connecting Casa-Port to Mohammed V International Airport every 15 minutes.
The train station site will cover 20,000 square meters. Also, it will have a parking capacity of 700 spaces and seamless connections to tram, BRT, bus, and taxi services. These features will make it a strategic intermodal hub.
Hassan II Grand Stadium Station and New Mohammed V International Airport Station
Furthermore, two additional major stations will reinforce the network. These stations are the Hassan II Grand Stadium station in Benslimane, funded at MAD 450 million ($45 million) and capable of handling 12 million passengers annually, and a new Mohammed V International Airport Station. The Mohammed V International Airport Station will be financed at MAD 300 million ($30 million) and will have a capacity for 5 million travelers.
Once fully operational, the two stations will serve major sporting and cultural events. Additionally, they will provide direct links to the national and international transport flows. All the three stations are expected to be delivered within 24 months.
New Rail Network for Casablanca
The rail infrastructure program also foresees a 92-kilometer metropolitan rail network. This rail network is designed to carry 150,000 passengers daily by 2030.
The rail infrastructure will have trains running every 7.5 minutes. Also, the railway system will connect key urban and peri-urban hubs of Casablanca. It will ensure direct access to strategic sites such as the new stadium and the international airport.
Ten new metropolitan stations, costing MAD 625 million ($62.5 million) will be constructed within 20 months. The stations will be in locations including Mohammedia-Les Facultés, Zenata, Sidi Bernoussi, Ain Sbâa, Hay Mohammadi, Ville Nouvelle, Mers Sultan, L’Oasis, Sidi Maârouf, and Nouaceur.
Existing stations will undergo modernization. This will be in order to align with the new service. Additionally, regional links will also be reinforced with high-frequency shuttles to El Jadida and Settat operating every 30 minutes.
Factsheet
Cost: MAD 20 billion (approximately $2.2 billion)
Context: Part of Morocco’s $9.3 – $10.6 billion (MAD 96 billion) national mobility strategy aimed at sustainable transport, territorial connectivity, and preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Funding: 70% from the National Railways Office (ONCF); 30% from the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council.
Key objectives: Transform urban and regional mobility, reduce congestion and CO₂ emissions, support urban and economic growth, and develop a domestic rail industry.
