Rabat – Morocco’s commitment to modernizing its railway network has received a significant boost as the state continues to invest in the extension of the high-speed train (TGV) system to the cities of Marrakech and Agadir.
This development comes as part of a broader partnership agreement signed with the National Office of Railways (ONCF), aimed at enhancing the country’s transportation infrastructure, Morocco’s state media reported on Friday.
Citing the “introductory note to the 2024 Finance Bill,” the report indicated that ONCF’s agreement with the government is estimated at MAD 1.44 billion ($139.9 million) and aims to “to finance studies and the acquisition of real estate for the extension of the high-speed train (TGV) network” over the 2023-2027 period.
This memorandum between the government and the national railway network does not give details about the exact cost of the project to extend Morocco’s TGV line to Marrakech and Agadir. Yet there have been indications that the completion of such a project would cost around MAD 92 billion. ($8.9 billion).Earlier this year, ONCF Director General Mohamed Rabie Khlie revealed that the project of extending Morocco’s TGV line will be done in two phases, namely Kenitra-Marrakech (390 km) and Marrakech-Agadir (239 km). While the Kenitra-Marrakech will require 2,500 acres of land and cost MAD 42 billion ($4 billion), he detailed, the Marrakech-Agadir section will be complete over a base land of 1,300 hectares and cost over MAD 50 billion ($4.8 billion).Meanwhile, as of the end of June 2023, ONCF reported a turnover of MAD 1.93 million, signaling a modest 5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Looking ahead to the investment program for the years 2024-2026, a substantial budget of MAD 12.77 billion has been earmarked, with a primary focus on the acquisition of new rail vehicles.Read also:This reform is seen as essential to rationalize the financing plan for railway infrastructure and ensure the ONCF’s performance remains sustainable. It is particularly crucial as Morocco pushes forward with its major development projects, such as the extension of the TGV line to Marrakech and Agadir, and the integration of ports into the network.To facilitate this transformation, a program contract is set to be established between the State and the ONCF. This contract is being developed through consultation with various stakeholders and will lay the groundwork for a new financing plan for the sector’s development program while evaluating the financial structure of the office.Transport and Logistics Minister Mohamed Abdel Jalil emphasized the ONCF’s comprehensive plan to connect the entire nation with a comprehensive railway network.This ambitious project includes the construction of 1,300.38 km of new high-speed lines, along with 43.23 km of conventional railway lines to link an impressive 87 Moroccan cities, in contrast to the current 51.
Furthermore, the plan seeks to establish ten regional correspondence centers designed to enhance coordination and integration between different modes of transportation.
It also includes projects aimed at connecting 14 ports and 12 airports to the rail network, aligning with Morocco’s national strategy to keep pace with port, industrial, and logistical development.
