Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Mohamed Abdeljalil has announced the construction of Marrakech-Agadir high-speed rail (LGV).
The project is part of the National Office of Railways (ONCF) plan to connect Moroccan regions with a network of medium and long-distance railways. The plan aims to build 1,300 km of new high-speed railways and 3,800 km of conventional railways that will connect 43 cities, the statement added.
Abdeljalil noted during oral questions at the House of Representatives that ONCF conducted preliminary studies for the project including a topographic survey, Morocco’s state press agency reported.
The minister also stressed that the project requires a budget of MAD 50 billion ($5,38 billion), adding that the project’s development is dependent on the collective effort of stakeholders to finance it.
The statement reported that the ministry and ONCF are studying all the possibilities available to finance the LGV project, including through a public-private partnership.
Between 2010 and 2020, ONCF invested more than MAD 50 billion ($5.38 billion) to expand Morocco’s railway network and increase its safety.
In 2021, Morocco’s National Railways Office has committed to invest MAD 7.7 billion ($829 million) to upgrade the country’s railways and train stations between 2022 and 2024.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, ONCF reported a 193% debt ratio with a total debt of MAD 43 billion ($4.63 billion).
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