Casablanca – Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital, is preparing for a sweeping transformation of its transportation network with the launch of a $2 billion rail development program. King Mohammed VI officially inaugurated the initiative on September 24, marking the beginning of a project that will reshape daily commuting in the country’s largest city and enhance its role as a regional hub for sustainable mobility.

The new program is a key component of a broader national rail strategy estimated at $10 billion, which aims to upgrade Morocco’s railway infrastructure, expand high-speed services, and create a modern, low-carbon transport system. With Casablanca facing increasing traffic congestion and rapid population growth, the initiative is designed to provide reliable alternatives to road travel while supporting economic and industrial development.

A central piece of a nationwide vision

The Casablanca rail expansion aligns with Morocco’s long-term transport agenda, which includes the ongoing construction of a 430-kilometer high-speed line between Kenitra and Marrakech. Launched earlier this year, the high-speed project complements the Casablanca upgrades by linking key economic centers and reducing travel times across the country. Together, these projects are intended to strengthen regional connectivity, improve daily urban mobility, and develop a domestic rail industry capable of supplying both national and export markets.

The Casablanca program will be financed primarily by the National Railways Office (ONCF), which will cover 70 percent of the costs, while the remaining 30 percent will come from the Casablanca-Settat regional government. This funding model underscores the importance of public investment in infrastructure to stimulate growth and reduce the environmental impact of urban transport.

Key components of the Casablanca project

The $2 billion plan includes the construction of 260 kilometers of new railway tracks and the creation of a network of modern stations and technical facilities. Among the most notable elements are:

• Three new generation main stations, designed to meet international standards of safety, comfort, and passenger capacity.
• Ten suburban stations dedicated to Metropolitan Proximity Trains (TMP) that will serve densely populated districts and key transport nodes.
• Five renovated stations, reconfigured to integrate seamlessly with the new suburban network.
• 50 engineering structures, including bridges, tunnels, and overpasses, to improve rail flow and reduce urban traffic bottlenecks.
• Two technical centers in Zenata and Nouaceur and five maintenance workshops to ensure efficient operation and long-term reliability of the system.

To power this expansion, ONCF will acquire 48 new trains capable of speeds up to 160 km/h. The fleet will enhance comfort, safety, and punctuality while accommodating the sharp rise in commuter demand expected in the coming decade.

New flagship stations

At the heart of the program are three major transport hubs. The Casablanca-South Station, budgeted at roughly $72 million, will be a state-of-the-art terminal with a capacity of 12 million passengers per year. It will serve high-speed Al Boraq trains, regional services, and the new Aero-Express line that will connect to Mohammed V International Airport every 15 minutes.

The second hub, the Grand Stadium Hassan II Station in Benslimane, will cost about $46 million and is also expected to handle up to 12 million travelers annually. The third major terminal will be located at Mohammed V International Airport, with a budget of around $31 million and a planned capacity of five million passengers per year. All three stations are expected to be completed within 24 months.

In addition to the main hubs, ten new suburban stations will be built over the next 20 months at a combined cost of approximately $64 million. These stations—located in areas such as Mohammedia-Colleges, Zenata, Sidi Bernoussi, Ain Sebaa, Hay Mohammadi, New City, Mers Sultan, L’Oasis, Sidi Maarouf, and Nouaceur—will be designed for easy access and high passenger comfort.

Improved connectivity by 2030

The suburban rail service is scheduled to begin operations by 2030, featuring three key lines covering 92 kilometers. Trains will run as frequently as every 7.5 minutes, connecting residential neighborhoods, business districts, and transport hubs such as the Grand Stadium and the airport. Daily ridership is projected to reach 150,000 passengers, significantly easing road congestion and reducing travel times across the metropolitan area.

The network will also introduce the Aero-Express service, providing a direct connection between the Casablanca-Port station and Mohammed V Airport with departures every 15 minutes. Regional train services on the Casablanca-El Jadida and Casablanca-Settat routes will also be enhanced with shuttle departures every 30 minutes.

Economic and industrial benefits

Beyond transport improvements, the project carries strong economic potential. South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, selected to supply the new trains, plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Morocco. The facility will produce rail equipment for domestic needs and future export markets, helping Morocco position itself as a regional leader in rail technology and generating new industrial and employment opportunities.

The project is also expected to stimulate construction, engineering, and service jobs during the building phase, while providing long-term economic gains through improved urban mobility and regional connectivity.

A mobility revolution for Casablanca

By the end of the decade, Casablanca will benefit from one of Africa’s most advanced rail systems, combining high-speed, regional, and suburban services. The investment underscores Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development, modern infrastructure, and economic growth. As the $2 billion program unfolds, the city is poised to experience a genuine mobility revolution, offering residents and visitors faster, cleaner, and more efficient ways to move across the metropolitan region and beyond.