Rabat — Commuters and travelers have expressed frustration and concern after Morocco’s high-speed train, Al Boraq, suffered a technical failure on Friday, bringing rail traffic between Casablanca and Tangier to a crawl.
The situation reignited debates about the country’s infrastructure preparedness as it gears up to host the Africa Cup of Nations in just over a month.
The incident occurred in the afternoon when an Al Boraq train, traveling from Casablanca to Tangier, broke down between Zenata and Ain Sebaa stations, according to Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF).
The breakdown caused significant delays across the northern corridor, leaving passengers stranded and questioning the reliability of a system meant to reflect Morocco’s modernization efforts.
“3-hour delay last Sunday from Rabat to Fez — no train arrived on time! And today [Friday] people are stuck until midnight,” an Instagram commentator said on one of ONCF’s posts, adding, “Shame on you for raising the prices but not the quality.”
“Friday, October 24, train delayed since 6 p.m. No train for an hour at Casa Port,” another commentator said, lamenting the customer service for “not responding.”
He blamed ONCF for managers’ absence. “Your microphone is muted. 0000 Communication,” he continued, suggesting that “a delay can be managed with shuttle solutions.”
Another commentator sarcastically said, “and we are supposed to organize the World Cup,” in a way to criticize the ONCF and the transportation situation ahead of the international tournament to be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.
On Facebook, a commentator urged “those affected must file lawsuits for compensation so that it serves as a lesson” for the company.
The ONCF deployed technical and operational teams to address the problem, conducting safety checks before gradually resuming service later in the evening.
In a statement, the railway operator apologized to passengers for the inconvenience and thanked them for their patience during the unexpected disruption.
But for many travelers, the apology rang hollow against the backdrop of Morocco’s upcoming hosting duties for one of Africa’s premier sporting events.
A test run gone wrong
Morocco is set to welcome the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December, with matches scheduled across multiple cities connected by the Al Boraq line.
The high-speed rail service, which began operations in 2018 and was heralded as a symbol of the country’s technological advancement, is expected to play a crucial role in transporting fans, officials, and media between host venues.
Friday’s breakdown has amplified concerns about whether Morocco’s infrastructure can handle the surge in demand during the tournament. Social media platforms buzzed with commentary from frustrated passengers, many pointing out the unfortunate timing of the incident.
Others expressed worry about the devastating effects such disruptions could have during the tournament, when coordination and punctuality will be critical for match schedules, team movements, and fan experiences.
The December deadline looms
As Morocco counts down to December and the arrival of African football’s biggest celebration, Friday’s Al Boraq breakdown has become more than a passing inconvenience — it’s a wake-up call. With the world’s attention soon to be focused on the country’s organizational capabilities, ensuring seamless transportation will be as important as the matches themselves.
The country has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements ahead of the tournament, upgrading stadiums, roads, and public transportation systems. Yet, Friday’s disruption serves as a stark reminder that even the most advanced systems require constant vigilance and maintenance.
The ONCF has pledged to continue monitoring and maintaining its systems to prevent future incidents. But for passengers and observers alike, actions will speak louder than words as the tournament approaches.
