French Firm Awarded Major Contracts for Morocco’s High-Speed Rail Expansion
A French company, Colas Rail (part of the Colas Group), has secured a trio of significant contracts totaling a whopping €430 million (approximately $465 million USD) to further develop Morocco’s high-speed rail line. This investment signals a continued commitment to expanding the existing network, currently linking Tangier to Casablanca, potentially extending it southward towards Marrakech and potentially eastward towards Kenitra. This ambitious project promises to revolutionize travel within the country and boost its economic landscape.
Morocco’s high-speed rail network, known as the “Al Boraq” (meaning “lightning” in Arabic), has already proven to be a transformative force since its launch in 2018. It has significantly reduced travel times between major cities, fostering economic growth and improving connectivity. For example, the journey between Tangier and Casablanca, previously a 4-hour, 45-minute trip by conventional train, now takes just over 2 hours on the Al Boraq. This efficiency has not only benefited business travelers but also opened up new opportunities for tourism and leisure travel within Morocco. [Source: ONCF (Moroccan National Railways Office) – (Unable to find a direct link to English statistics, but information can be found on their website and through news articles about the Al Boraq.)]
Colas Rail’s involvement will be crucial in the next phase of this development. The contracts cover a range of essential works, including track laying, ballast installation, and the construction of associated infrastructure. This expertise will ensure the new sections of the line meet the same high standards of speed, safety, and reliability as the existing Tangier-Casablanca route. The expansion is expected to create numerous jobs and stimulate economic activity in the regions it serves. Furthermore, improved transportation infrastructure is often a catalyst for further investment and development, potentially attracting new businesses and industries to the areas connected by the high-speed line.
The expansion of the Al Boraq network aligns with Morocco’s broader vision for sustainable development and economic modernization. Investing in high-speed rail not only improves transportation efficiency but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions compared to road travel. This commitment to sustainable infrastructure is in line with global trends towards greener transportation solutions. [Source: International Union of Railways – (Information on rail’s sustainability can be found on their website: https://uic.org/)]
The Moroccan government’s continued investment in its high-speed rail network underscores its commitment to improving national infrastructure and connectivity. The involvement of international companies like Colas Rail highlights the project’s global significance and the potential for further collaboration in developing cutting-edge transportation solutions. As the Al Boraq network expands, it promises to further unlock Morocco’s economic potential and solidify its position as a leader in African rail development. The anticipated completion dates for the Marrakech and Kenitra extensions are not yet publicly available, but updates are expected from ONCF in the coming months. This ongoing development is certainly one to watch for those interested in the future of high-speed rail in Africa and beyond.
