The Launch of the New Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Train Praised by International Press

International Media Echoes Launch of High-Speed Train Line in Morocco

International press widely reported the launch on Thursday by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the construction of the Kénitra-Marrakech High-Speed Train Line (LGV), emphasizing that this infrastructural project reflects the Sovereign’s "enlightened vision" and reinforces the Kingdom’s status as a "continental leader" in infrastructure.

The information site "Business Insider Africa" noted that the kick-off of the Kénitra-Marrakech LGV project solidifies Morocco’s position as a "continental leader in infrastructure development." It highlighted that the Kingdom already boasts the only operational high-speed train network on the African continent, known as "Al Boraq."

With this new project, "Morocco doubles its rail ambitions, positioning itself as a model for sustainable transport and regional integration," the English publication stated.

More than just a transport modernization initiative, this project represents "a strategic lever to enhance national competitiveness," as the Kingdom relies on the expansion of its rail network to develop a locally impactful industrial ecosystem, according to "Business Insider Africa."

Echoing this sentiment, "Daily Finland" reported that this extensive project reflects "the enlightened vision" of His Majesty the King aimed at modernizing the national rail network, aligning with "the strategic orientations of the Kingdom, driven by the Sovereign, on sustainable development that promotes low-carbon collective mobility solutions."

The Kénitra-Marrakech LGV also signifies Morocco’s "firm determination" to continue developing its rail network to fully play its role as the backbone of a sustainable and inclusive transport system, the publication emphasized.

Meanwhile, ECOFIN agency pointed out that through this project, Morocco reaffirms its status as a leader in African rail infrastructure.

This LGV extension "consolidates the Kingdom’s position as the only African country with an operational high-speed rail network and is part of a vision for sustainable mobility and structured economic development," the article’s author commented.

The agency also noted that beyond Morocco’s borders, this significant project fuels a continental ambition: the Kingdom positions its LGV as a technological showcase for African countries in search of fast and sustainable transport solutions.

Similarly, specialized news site ABC Bourse reported that Morocco "consolidates its unique position on the African continent as the only country with an operational high-speed line, now set for expansion."

"The launch of this new LGV is not an isolated act. It extends commitments made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024," the publication noted, recalling that several significant agreements were signed during that visit, particularly in the rail sector.

Adding that this Franco-Moroccan cooperation reaffirms the strategic alignment between Rabat and Paris on sustainable infrastructure, co-industrialization, and green mobility.

Reuters highlighted that this major infrastructure project addresses Morocco’s desire to modernize and upgrade its rail industry, and it also aligns with preparations for the 2030 World Cup to be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

The future LGV, designed for a speed of 350 km/h, will reduce travel time between Marrakech and Tangier to just 2 hours and 40 minutes, while the journey between Rabat and Casablanca Airport will take only 35 minutes, according to Reuters in articles picked up by various global publications.

The Agence France Presse (AFP) specified that the Alstom group had won the contract for acquiring 18 high-speed trains that will serve the upcoming Kénitra-Marrakech LGV, noting that "the contract for the line extension was first discussed during President Macron’s visit to Rabat at the end of October 2024."

Quoted by AFP, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin stated that "this is a landmark moment that demonstrates and concretely illustrates a new complementary step in the transfer of expertise between France and Morocco."

In anticipation of the 2030 World Cup, Morocco is focusing on developing its infrastructure, particularly in hospitality, rail, road, telecommunications, and airports, concluded AFP in a dispatch relayed by several media outlets and newspapers in France.

The Spanish agency EFE reported that the new high-speed line will halve travel time between Kénitra and Marrakech over a distance of 430 kilometers.

The new line will also connect the international airports of Rabat and Casablanca, EFE added, noting that this large-scale project requires an investment of 53 billion MAD (excluding rolling stock) and is part of a national program mobilizing a total of 96 billion MAD.

From the Arab press side, the London-based newspaper "Al Arab" stated that the high-speed line project represents a "qualitative leap" in Morocco’s transport system and accompanies the socio-economic transformations within the Kingdom.

This LGV is part of a series of other promising projects launched in line with His Majesty the King’s vision for sustainable and comprehensive development across various sectors, the publication specified.

The launch of this extensive project, the newspaper continued, comes as the Kingdom embarks on a new phase of development and performance improvement in the transport sector for optimal integration within the economic dynamics, capable of strengthening social gains. It is also an integral part of a broader strategy to ensure the prosperity of the Moroccan people and facilitate mobility.

The realization of this LGV will invigorate the business and commerce sectors and create job opportunities, making the train a reliable alternative to cars, the newspaper revealed.

In a similar vein, the Bahraini newspaper "Akhbar Al Khaleej" expressed that the Kénitra-Marrakech LGV project demonstrates Morocco’s strong will to continue developing its rail network, aiming to make it the backbone of a sustainable and comprehensive transport system.

The daily added that the Moroccan rail network is experiencing a true renaissance thanks to the new modernization program, estimating that this is not only about extending the high-speed network to Marrakech but also about modernizing and renewing the ONCF train fleet, as well as creating a modern public transport network and a promising new industrial system.

The newspaper also highlighted the economic and industrial impact of the project, citing the unprecedented program to acquire 168 new trains that will facilitate the emergence of an industrial rail ecosystem, with a local integration rate exceeding 40%.

For its part, the information site "Emarat News" emphasized that this strategic project reflects an ambitious Royal vision to strengthen Morocco’s position as a regional hub for smart and sustainable mobility.

The promising project, it added, is part of a broader vision to connect the north and south of the Kingdom and solidify Morocco’s position as a strategic crossroads between Europe and Africa through a future continental rail network.

The site further noted that this initiative fits within a comprehensive vision to enhance low-emission rail services by linking major urban centers through a modern transport network that meets the demands of urban growth and sustainable economic dynamics, asserting that the new high-speed line offers significant time savings in travel and supports industrial development.