Morocco to expand rail network for 2030 world cup
The government in Morocco has confirmed plans to spend $10 billion expanding its rail network ahead of the 2030 world cup.
As reported by Middle East Monitor on April 25th, the plans signed off by Moroccan King Mohammed VI include building a high speed rail network connecting major transport and cultural hubs.
The high-speed line, which will cost around 53 billion dirhams ($5.7 billion), will begin its route in Kenitra on the Atlantic and run 430 kilometres south to Marrakech, whilst connecting the capital of Rabat and the major transport hub of Casablanca en-route.
The railway will reach top speeds of 350 kilometres per hour, cutting the journey between Marrakech and Tangier by two hours, to just 2 hours and 40 minutes, while travel time between Rabat and Casablanca’s main airport will be reduced to 35 minutes.
Morocco has been long making plans for the world cup and borrowed €781 million from France in order to purchase 18 high-speed trains for this infrastructure project.
This was followed up by an announcement from the state-owned rail operator ONCF that it had signed deals to purchase 168 trains from France, Spain and South Korea for 29 billion dirhams ($3 billion).
Morocco hopes that the developments will not only serve the country during the world cup but also reinvigorate the nations dormant rail industry.
As well as redeveloping its rail network, Morocco has also sought to double airport capacity ahead of the world cup from 38 million in 2024 to 80 million in 2030.
The country has enjoyed a tourist boom in recent years meaning that preparations for the world cup are already well under way.
In the first 11 months of 2024, a record 15.9 million tourists visited the country, providing a major boost to the economy particularly in tourist hotspots such as Marrakech.
Morocco has aimed to become the most visited country in Africa this year, surpassing Egypt as the government hopes to see 17.5 million visitors coming in to the country.
Middle East Monitor, Maghrebi
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