Casablanca – Since its launch in late 2018, Al Boraq has become one of Morocco’s most emblematic infrastructure achievements. More than just a fast train linking Tangier and Casablanca, the service has evolved into a symbol of technological progress, economic integration, and sustainable transport. As Africa’s first high-speed rail service, Al Boraq has significantly reduced travel times, strengthened ties between the country’s main economic centers, and begun generating revenues that help finance the next generation of railway projects.

Operated by Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF), Al Boraq is the premium high-speed rail service of the national network. The name refers both to the train itself, the registered brand, and the commercial line on which it operates. Inspired by the mythical winged steed in Islamic tradition, the name reflects the speed and ambition associated with the project.

Africa’s first high-speed train

Al Boraq was officially inaugurated by King Mohammed VI on November 15, 2018, and entered commercial service on November 26 of the same year. It became the first high-speed rail line in Africa and remains the fastest train on the continent, operating at speeds of up to 320 km/h.

The service connects Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca. On the dedicated 186-kilometer high-speed section between Tangier and Kenitra, trains run at full speed, while they continue on upgraded conventional tracks between Kenitra and Casablanca at up to 160 km/h.

This infrastructure transformed rail travel in Morocco. The journey between Tangier and Casablanca was reduced from 4 hours and 45 minutes to just 2 hours and 10 minutes. Travel from Tangier to Rabat now takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, while Tangier to Kenitra can be completed in just 50 minutes.

A project of national and continental significance

The foundations of the project were laid in 2007 with cooperation agreements between Morocco and France. After years of feasibility studies and planning, construction officially began in 2011. The first train set, supplied by Alstom, arrived in Tangier in 2015.

During testing in 2017, Al Boraq reached 357 km/h, setting a new African rail speed record. The project involved advanced signaling technologies, dedicated maintenance facilities, and extensive modernization of four key stations: Tangier-Ville, Kenitra, Rabat-Agdal, and Casa-Voyageurs.

The total investment in the project amounted to $2.36 billion, financed through a combination of Moroccan public funds, French financing, and contributions from Arab development institutions. Beyond the infrastructure itself, the project generated substantial technology transfer and enabled the training of hundreds of Moroccan engineers and technicians in high-speed rail operations and maintenance.

Strong growth in passenger traffic

Passenger demand has consistently exceeded expectations. In 2025, Al Boraq carried approximately 5.6 million passengers, compared with far lower initial traffic levels in its early years. This steady increase reflects the service’s reliability, comfort, and ability to offer a practical alternative to road and air travel.

The train has earned a reputation for punctuality and customer satisfaction, with modern rolling stock, first- and second-class seating, and onboard services that appeal to both business and leisure travelers.

The high-speed service has also improved connectivity across the broader rail network, as stations in Casablanca, Rabat, and Kenitra function as transfer points for passengers traveling to and from cities such as Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech.

Revenue generation supports expansion

One of the most significant developments is Al Boraq’s growing role in financing future infrastructure. According to official figures cited by Moroccan authorities, revenues from the service nearly doubled over five years, rising from approximately $42.0 million to $80.4 million.

This increase demonstrates that the project is becoming financially self-sustaining. The surplus generated by operations is being reinvested into the railway network, allowing the service to help fund its own expansion rather than relying solely on state budgets or external borrowing.

This model is attracting increasing attention because it shows how a major public infrastructure project can transition from a capital-intensive investment into a long-term financial contributor.

Economic and environmental impact

Al Boraq has had effects that extend well beyond transport. By reducing travel times between Morocco’s largest economic centers, it has strengthened business ties, encouraged tourism, and supported regional development.

The service has also stimulated commercial activity around renovated stations, which have become integrated urban hubs featuring retail and service spaces.

From an environmental standpoint, high-speed rail provides a lower-emission alternative to cars and domestic flights. The project’s sustainability profile has enhanced its attractiveness to lenders and aligns with Morocco’s broader climate and energy objectives.

During construction, environmental measures included extensive reforestation, with thousands of hectares replanted to compensate for land affected by the project.

Toward a larger high-speed network

Morocco is now preparing the next phases of its high-speed rail strategy. The Kenitra–Marrakech extension is expected to become operational around 2029, while the Marrakech–Agadir corridor remains a long-term strategic objective.

These projects form part of a broader plan to build a national high-speed rail network of around 1,500 kilometers, linking major cities along both Atlantic and inland corridors.

As preparations accelerate for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, the expansion of Al Boraq is expected to play a key role in improving mobility and supporting economic development.

A model for the future

Nearly eight years after its inauguration, Al Boraq stands as one of Morocco’s most successful infrastructure projects. It has reduced distances, strengthened national integration, and demonstrated that large-scale transport investments can generate both economic and financial returns.

What began as a bold vision to introduce high-speed rail to Africa has become a practical model for how modern infrastructure can serve passengers, support development, and help finance the next stage of national transformation.