New Upcoming Destinations of Al Boraq: New Horizons for Rail Travel in Morocco
The Director General of the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), Mohamed Rabie Khlie, recently revealed the exciting prospects for the future of Al Boraq, the high-speed train, following funding pledges from the United Arab Emirates.
Expansion of the High-Speed Line (LGV): A Fast and Efficient Journey
During a recent intervention on the Al Aoula channel, the ONCF leader shared the details of the new LGV project linking Kenitra to Marrakech, extending over 400 km. This new line will serve as a logical extension between Tangier and Kenitra, also facilitating a direct route between Tangier and Marrakech. A significant step forward which will reduce the travel time between these two cities to just 3 hours. The Tangier-Rabat and Tangier-Casablanca connections will also see a significant reduction, dropping to 1 hour and 1 hour 35 minutes respectively. In addition to routes between major cities, Al Boraq will extend to Rabat-Salé airport and Mohammed V airport in Casablanca.
Preparing for the 2030 World Cup: Serving Key Venues
Al Boraq will play a crucial role in the preparation of Morocco, Spain and Portugal for the 2030 World Cup. It will serve the key stadiums of this competition, such as the Moulay Abdellah complex in Rabat and the future Stade de Casablanca in Benslimane. Two new stations will be built to accommodate Al Boraq, one in Hay Ryad in Rabat and the other in Benslimane.
Other Rail Projects in Progress: An Expanding Regional Express Network (RER)
Beyond Al Boraq, the ONCF is involved in other major projects. The development of a regional express network (RER) in Greater Casablanca-Settat is underway. In addition, an RER will connect the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region, starting from Kenitra, crossing Rabat-Salé and ending in Skhirat. Last November, the ONCF launched a call for competition for the acquisition of 168 new trains, including 150 trains for inter-city services, as well as rapid shuttles and metropolitan trains. Add to this 18 high-speed trains for LGV extensions, a sign of a promising railway future in Morocco.
