Rabat – Morocco’s High-Speed Train Al Boraq arrived at Marrakech train station after traveling from Casablanca at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour as part of its trial run which took place on Tuesday, January 24.
Converging news outlets reported the trial was conducted on regular railways, and the train’s speed will be gradually increased to 120 kilometers per hour and then 160 kilometers per hour.
The trial run is also in preparation for the UIC World Congress on high-speed rail in 2023, which will be held at the Palais des Congres in Marrakech from March 7 – 10.
More than 1,500 people are expected to attend the congress’ working sessions, trade shows, and technical visits.
The event will cover the sector’s growth and its contribution to raising the countries’ connectivity and advancing their sustainable and economic development.
The congress will also shed light on the rail industry’s response to challenges such as climate change.
Read Also: Morocco To Host UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail in 2023
In November 2022, French construction, and engineering company Egis signed an agreement with Morocco’s national railway office (ONCF) for the construction of the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed railway.
There are three stages to the project. The first stage includes building a 150-kilometer line from Kenitra to Ain Sebaa. Then, a second line connecting Ain Sebaa to Nouaceur stretching 130 kilometers-long, followed by a line connecting Nouaceur and Marrakech at a distance of 212 kilometers.
The high-speed railway project between Kenitra and Marrakech is part of Morocco’s larger vision to connect urban spaces and improve the country’s transportation infrastructure to support business activities.
Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Mohamed Abdeljalil announced the construction of Marrakech-Agadir high-speed rail (LGV) in January 2022.
