Historic Railway Program: ONCF Achieves Significant Progress in Strategic Vision
On May 6, 2026, the Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF) proudly marked a year of substantial advancements following the inauguration of the high-speed rail project linking Kenitra to Marrakech, initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This ambitious initiative is a cornerstone of a broader national railway program aimed at modernizing and transforming Morocco's rail infrastructure.
The comprehensive railway program, estimated at a staggering 96 billion dirhams, includes the construction of a new high-speed rail line between Kenitra and Marrakech, with 53 billion dirhams allocated specifically for infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, the program encompasses the procurement of 168 trains, representing an investment of 29 billion dirhams, aimed at enhancing and renewing the national rolling stock. Furthermore, 14 billion dirhams have been earmarked for maintaining the performance of the existing rail network, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.
As of April 24, 2025, ONCF reported remarkable progress across all facets of the program, demonstrating its capability to manage large-scale projects that serve sustainable mobility, enhance national competitiveness, and attract investment into various regions of the country. The high-speed rail line, stretching over 430 kilometers, has seen significant advancements; land acquisition is complete, and nearly all sites have been cleared, reflecting a robust execution momentum and coordinated efforts among all stakeholders involved.
Construction activities are progressing steadily along the entire route, with civil engineering works advancing as scheduled. To date, nearly 20 million cubic meters of earthworks have been completed. The construction of key structures is also well underway, with 15 viaducts and three covered trenches being developed, totaling 1.5 kilometers in length. Additionally, 92 bridge-related structures have been initiated, further enhancing the project’s infrastructure.
On the equipment front, the project is proceeding according to its timeline. Approximately 2.5 million tons of ballast, 800,000 tons of sleepers, 108,000 tons of rails, and 224 switch devices have been delivered to support the ongoing work. Concurrently, track renewal operations are actively being undertaken across various segments, with track-laying activities continuing unabated. The deployment of signaling systems is also on schedule, laying the groundwork for improved operational efficiency.
The design of passenger stations has been finalized, and construction is proceeding in phases. The first phase commenced at the beginning of 2026, with all stations expected to be under construction by July 2026. This program not only serves an infrastructural purpose but also acts as a significant driver for national economic development. Currently, around 150 direct companies are engaged in various aspects of the project, with nearly two-thirds being Moroccan firms. This dynamic illustrates the program's crucial role in shaping the Moroccan economic landscape while enhancing local expertise and industrial excellence.
Building on the success of the inaugural high-speed line from Kenitra to Tangier, ONCF is reaffirming its strategic role in the structural transformation of the country. The upcoming Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed line is seen as a major step in the modernization and expansion of the national rail network, ultimately embodying the vision of sustainable and efficient mobility that is focused on the economic and territorial development of Morocco under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
As reported by telquel.ma.
