Morocco’s King Mohammed VI Launches Landmark Railway Projects in Casablanca

King Mohammed VI on Wednesday inaugurated a series of major railway projects in Casablanca’s Hay Hassani district, marking a significant step forward in modernizing Morocco’s transport infrastructure.

Valued at approximately $1.94 billion, the projects are part of a broader $9.3 billion national railway program designed to strengthen regional connectivity, improve urban mobility, and build a robust domestic railway industry.

This initiative comes on the heels of April’s launch of the Kenitra–Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line (430 km), which forms the backbone of Morocco’s future rail network. The new program will reinforce links between Kenitra and Casablanca, expand mobility in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, and create an ecosystem to support the country’s railway industry.

Funding for the projects is shared between the National Railways Office (70%) and the region (30%). Planned investments include:

• Construction of 3 new-generation stations and 10 metropolitan stations

• Upgrades to 5 existing stations

• Development of 260 km of new railway lines and 50 civil engineering structures

• Establishment of 2 technical centres (Zenata and Nouaceur) and 5 maintenance workshops

• Acquisition of 48 new trains

Flagship Stations

One of the highlights is the Casablanca-South Station, unveiled Wednesday with a budget of $68 million. Designed to accommodate 12 million passengers annually, it will feature six platforms, ten tracks, a 20,000 m² outdoor concourse, and parking for 700 vehicles. Strategically connected to trams, buses, taxis, and high-speed trains, the station is set to become a central transport hub.

Two other new-generation stations will follow:

• Hassan II Grand Stadium Station (Benslimane) – $44 million, capacity for 12 million passengers

• Mohammed V International Airport Station – $29 million, capacity for 5 million passengers

All three are scheduled for completion within 24 months.

Metropolitan Expansion

For commuter services, 10 new metropolitan stations will be built within 20 months at a cost of $61 million. These will include stations at Mohammedia-Faculties, Zenata, Sidi Bernoussi, Ain Sbâa, Hay Mohammadi, Ville Nouvelle, Mers Sultan, Oasis, Sidi Maârouf, and Nouaceur. Once operational, the expanded network—covering 92 km across three lines—will serve an estimated 150,000 passengers daily.

Rolling Stock and Industrial Growth

To boost capacity, Morocco will invest $680 million in 48 new railcars, each with seating for 1,000 passengers. South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem will supply the trains and establish a local factory, reinforcing Morocco’s rail ecosystem while opening export opportunities.

National Impact

These integrated projects are expected to generate substantial socio-economic benefits, including job creation, improved safety, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced quality of life for citizens.

Source: The North African Post