King Mohammed VI officially launched an ambitious new rail initiative on Wednesday in Casablanca, aimed at overhauling public transit in the greater metropolitan region. With an initial investment of 20 billion dirhams, the project marks a major step within a broader 96 billion dirham national strategy to expand sustainable transportation across Morocco.
This sweeping effort builds on the country’s growing momentum in rail development, which has gained pace since the recent launch of the high-speed line connecting Kenitra and Marrakech. The overarching plan aims not just to improve intercity travel but to create stronger regional links, streamline access to urban centers, and lay the foundation for a full-fledged domestic rail industry.
The initiative will be largely funded by Morocco’s National Rail Office, covering 70% of the costs, with the remaining 30% provided by regional authorities. Key components include the construction of three new-generation transit hubs, ten local commuter train stations, and the modernization of five existing stations. A total of 260 kilometers of new track will be laid, along with two major technical centers and five maintenance workshops. In addition, 48 new trains will be purchased to support the expanding network.
At the heart of the project is the upcoming “Casablanca-South” station, where the King officially kicked off construction in Hay Hassani. With a price tag of 700 million dirhams, this state-of-the-art facility will eventually serve up to 12 million passengers annually. It will handle high-speed, regional, and metropolitan services, as well as a new express line to Mohammed V Airport. Integrated with the city’s tram, rapid bus, and public transit systems, the station is designed to become a key multimodal hub for the region.
Two other flagship stations are also in the works. One will rise near the Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane and will match Casablanca-South’s capacity. The second, to be built at Mohammed V Airport, is expected to handle five million travelers per year. Both are slated for completion within two years.
A major part of the initiative is the new Metropolitan Proximity Train (TMP) network, which will span three lines over a combined 92 kilometers. Set to be operational by 2030, this commuter service is designed to run trains as frequently as every seven and a half minutes, targeting a daily ridership of 150,000 passengers. Ten new stations will support the TMP network, including locations like Sidi Bernoussi, Ain Sebaâ, Hay Mohammadi, Mers Sultan, Sidi Maârouf, and Nouaceur. The entire sub-project carries a budget of 625 million dirhams.
The rail overhaul also includes upgrades to regional connections, particularly toward El Jadida and Settat, where shuttle trains will run every 30 minutes. A new express line will also provide direct service from Casa-Port to the airport.
To meet the expected rise in demand, Morocco has ordered 48 high-capacity electric trains from South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem. Each train will accommodate over 1,000 passengers and operate at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. The deal, worth 7 billion dirhams before tax, also includes plans for Hyundai to establish a factory in Morocco. This facility will serve as a cornerstone of a new export-oriented national rail industry.
This comprehensive rail strategy is designed to deliver efficiency, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. Officials say it will not only ease urban congestion and cut travel times, but also drive economic growth, generate jobs, improve quality of life, and support Morocco’s shift toward greener transportation solutions.
