The African Development Bank has provided a €205 million (approximately $234 million) loan to support Morocco's infrastructure preparations for hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The financing will be used to increase the capacity and performance of the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line, one of the country's busiest transport corridors.
The bank stated that this line handles a significant portion of Morocco's passenger and freight traffic and that the loan is earmarked for operational improvements. The project is part of Morocco's approximately $10 billion investment plan to develop its intercity and urban rail networks, as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
New 430-Kilometer Line and Cost
The new high-speed line will stretch 430 kilometers, starting from Kenitra on the Atlantic coast and passing through Rabat and Casablanca before reaching Marrakech. The total cost of the project is estimated at around 96 billion dirhams ($9.6 billion), and trains will operate at speeds of 320 kilometers per hour.
As part of the project, a 3-kilometer tunnel will be built beneath the capital Rabat. Direct connections will also be provided to the large stadium in Benslimane and to Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.
Significant Reduction in Travel Times
Once the new line is operational, travel time between Tangier and Marrakech will drop from 5 hours to 2 hours and 40 minutes. The journey between Rabat and Mohammed V Airport will take about 35 minutes.
Procurement of 168 New Trains
Morocco has also moved to renew its railway fleet. Agreements have been signed for the procurement of 168 new trains, including high-speed trains, with a requirement that technology transfer and local industry integration exceed 40 percent. This step is expected to strengthen the country's railway industry and increase its operational capacity.
