Rabat – King Mohammed VI launched the 7-kilometer Line 2 extension project of the Rabat-Salé tramway on Monday, intended to meet the growing demand for mobility and transportation in the two cities.
The extension came as response to the success of the Rabat-Sale tramway, which was launched in May 2011. The Line 2 extension project will strengthen links between the two cities with other means of transportation, seeking to improve passengers’ trip conditions and to enhance the public transportation network with environment-friendly means.
The project will come into operation by July 2019, projected to provide transportation services for nearly 400,000 inhabitants.
The project forms part of the 2014-2018 Rabat Development Integrated Program entitled “Rabat: City of Light, Moroccan Culture Capital.” MAD 1.7 billion was allocated for the establishment of this project, which follows the King’s desire to turn the two cities of Rabat and Sale into urban mega-metropolises, reported Maghreb Arab Press (MAP).
The Rabat tramway extension will stretch over more 2.4 kilometers. The section will include the construction of four tram stops as well as urban renewal of the Yaacoub El Mansour neighborhood. It will also include the creation of three green areas and community parks.
Salé’s 4.6 km extension will also include several works: the building of eight tram stations, the construction of an 390-meter tram civil engineering work called “Bridge on Ain Houala Avenue” (7.5m in height, 11.8m in width), and an underground road.
To meet the transport supply and demands, 22 new trams will be purchased. The project is funded by several bodies: the Support Fund for Urban Transportation Reforms (from Morocco’s Ministries of Economy and Interior) and loans by the French development agency and the European Investment Bank.
Other extension projects for Lines 1 and 2 of the Rabat-Salé tramway are being studied.
