King Mohammed VI Launches $2 Billion Rail Projects in Casablanca as Part of National Transport Strategy
Casablanca, The Gulf Observer: King Mohammed VI on Wednesday presided over the launch of large-scale railway projects in the Casablanca metropolitan area valued at MAD 20 billion ($2 billion), marking a new phase in Morocco’s ambitious rail development program worth MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion).
Unveiled in Hay Hassani, the new investments are designed to address the future mobility needs of Greater Casablanca while advancing Morocco’s national strategy for sustainable, low-carbon transport. They complement the broader plan initiated by the monarch in April with the 430-kilometer Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail (LGV) line, one of Africa’s most ambitious railway undertakings.
Next-generation stations and infrastructure
The initiative features three new-generation stations, ten additional metropolitan stops, rehabilitation of five existing facilities, and 260 kilometers of new track. It also includes the construction of 50 engineering structures, two technicenters in Zenata and Nouaceur, five maintenance workshops, and the acquisition of 48 modern trainsets to boost regional and metropolitan services.
Among the flagship projects is the Casablanca-South station, launched Wednesday with an investment of MAD 700 million ($70 million). Designed to serve up to 12 million passengers annually, the 20,000-square-meter facility will feature six platforms, ten tracks, and connections to high-speed, long-distance, regional, and metropolitan services, alongside a dedicated “aero-express” linking Casa-Port to Mohammed V International Airport every 15 minutes.
Two additional major stations will reinforce the network: the Hassan II Grand Stadium station in Benslimane, funded at MAD 450 million ($45 million) with a capacity of 12 million passengers, and a new Mohammed V International Airport station, financed at MAD 300 million ($30 million) to accommodate 5 million travelers. All three stations are expected to be operational within 24 months.
Expanding metropolitan rail
The program also envisions a 92-kilometer metropolitan rail network capable of carrying 150,000 passengers daily by 2030, with trains running every 7.5 minutes. Ten new metropolitan stations costing MAD 625 million ($62.5 million) will be built within 20 months at strategic urban and peri-urban hubs, including Mohammedia-Les Facultés, Zenata, Sidi Bernoussi, Ain Sbâa, Hay Mohammadi, Ville Nouvelle, Mers Sultan, L’Oasis, Sidi Maârouf, and Nouaceur.
To support the expansion, Morocco will acquire 48 trainsets from Hyundai Rotem at a cost of MAD 7 billion ($700 million). Each unit will accommodate over 1,000 passengers and reach speeds of 160 km/h. As part of the agreement, the South Korean manufacturer will establish a production facility in Morocco, fostering a domestic railway industry and opening prospects for exports in the medium term.
A transformative vision
The projects align with King Mohammed VI’s long-term vision of a modern, integrated, and sustainable rail network. Beyond improving efficiency and safety, the investments are expected to stimulate job creation, reinforce urban development, and reduce carbon emissions.
By 2030, the combined impact of metropolitan trains, regional services, and the Kenitra–Marrakech LGV is anticipated to transform national mobility and solidify Morocco’s position as a continental leader in sustainable transport, ahead of major milestones such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
