Marrakech Inaugurates Underground Passage to Ease Traffic Ahead of AFCON 2025
Marrakech, The Gulf Observer: Marrakech strengthened its road infrastructure on Wednesday with the inauguration of a new underground passage aimed at improving traffic flow ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The underground passage, located at the northwestern entrance of the city on National Road 7, was inaugurated in the presence of Marrakech-Safi Regional Wali Khatib El Hebil and President of the Regional Council Samir Goudar. Representatives of Marrakech Mobility—the local development company delegated by the Marrakech Municipality—as well as security authorities, also attended the ceremony.
The project, with a total investment of MAD 101.5 million (approximately $10.15 million), is designed to ease traffic congestion on one of the city’s busiest road sections, particularly during evening rush hours and weekends. It aims to improve service levels along the northwestern ring road while enhancing connectivity with key strategic routes across the city.
Hamza Houkik, Technical Director of Marrakech Mobility, said the project forms part of an integrated vision to modernize the city’s road infrastructure in preparation for major continental and international events. He noted that the initiative is intended to enhance urban mobility and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
As part of the broader program, authorities plan to relocate the bus station from Bab Doukkala to El Azzouzia and improve access to the Sidi Ghanem industrial zone, measures expected to strengthen road connectivity and support Marrakech’s economic development.
Officials were also briefed on another road project currently under construction under the same program. Valued at MAD 86.3 million (about $8.63 million), the project is expected to further reduce traffic pressure at the city’s northwestern entrance, particularly along routes leading to the M’Hamid neighborhood and National Road 8 toward the city center.
The road infrastructure upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to modernize Marrakech’s main city entrances, enhance road safety and ensure smoother traffic flow during peak periods, especially as the city prepares to host AFCON 2025.
These initiatives complement wider transport modernization efforts underway in Marrakech. On the same day, the city introduced 207 new buses into service as part of a MAD 717.48 million ($71.7 million) fleet renewal program managed by Supratours, which recently replaced Spanish operator ALSA after 26 years of service.
