Casablanca: His Majesty King Mohammed VI has inaugurated several major railway projects at the Hay Hassani district prefecture in Casablanca, designed to have a significant impact on mobility within the Casablanca metropolitan area. These projects are valued at MAD 20 billion.
According to Ghana News Agency, these flagship projects are part of a comprehensive program with a total budget of MAD 96 billion. The program primarily aims to support the steady development of the railway sector, following the launch in April by His Majesty the King of the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line, spanning 430 kilometers. It seeks to improve regional connections between Kenitra and Casablanca, enhance mobility within urban areas like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, and foster a new national railway industry ecosystem.
The integrated program reflects the Sovereign's vision to enhance the national railway offering and aligns with the Kingdom's strategic sustainable development goals, particularly promoting low-carbon collective mobility solutions. The projects are financed 70% by the National Railways Office and 30% by the region and include the construction of new-generation stations, establishment of new local metropolitan train stations, and development of new railway lines, among other initiatives.
These initiatives aim to develop a sustainable regional transport system, strengthen daily mobility for passengers, contribute to socio-economic development and urban planning, and support the Kingdom's national objectives for 2030. One highlighted project is the 'Casablanca-South' Station, launched by King Mohammed VI, with an investment of approximately MAD 700 million, which will serve as a strategic intermodal hub.
Another significant development is the 'Hassan II' Grand Stadium station in Benslimane, with investments of around MAD 450 million. The new station at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, requiring a total budget of MAD 300 million, will have a capacity of 5 million passengers annually.
The new metropolitan commuter train stations will enhance mobility in the Casablanca region through a service launching by 2030, offering frequent connections between urban and suburban centers. Additionally, an airport express service will connect Casa-Port station to Mohammed V International Airport with 15-minute shuttles.
To meet regional and local mobility needs, plans include purchasing 48 railcars at a cost of MAD 7 billion. South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem, selected to supply these trains, will establish a factory in the country, contributing to the railway ecosystem and future national needs.
These projects are expected to generate significant benefits for local communities, including job creation, enhanced safety, and environmental protection, while improving citizens' living conditions and creating added value.