Casablanca – Morocco’s railway sector is entering a decisive phase marked by aging infrastructure, rising passenger demand, and the government’s ambition to expand high-speed rail across key regions. With major projects underway and new investment goals emerging, the country is preparing for a significant transformation that aims to strengthen mobility, support economic competitiveness, and advance its long-term development model.

In recent statements, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Qiyouh described much of the national train fleet as having reached the “end of its service life,” a situation that has pushed the authorities to accelerate procurement of modern rolling stock. The move is part of a broader strategic overhaul designed to modernize the national network, enhance transport efficiency, and respond to new patterns of mobility shaped by demographic growth, urban expansion, and increasing regional integration.

A core pillar of this strategy is the expansion of Morocco’s high-speed rail (TGV) network, currently operating between Casablanca and Tangier. The extension toward Marrakech, now in preparation, is expected to drastically shorten long-distance travel times and reshape mobility across four major socio-economic regions. According to government projections, the journey between Marrakech and Tangier—today exceeding six hours on conventional lines—will be reduced to 2 hours and 35 minutes once the new infrastructure becomes operational.

Officials view this project as central not only to improving long-distance transport, but also to providing a foundation for regional rail services on existing lines. The government plans to enhance frequencies on routes linking Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech through a system of regional express trains operating at higher cadence and offering more accessible pricing. These services are expected to directly support daily mobility, particularly for workers and students commuting within the country’s economic triangle.

Beyond improving travel efficiency, the expansion of the rail network plays an important role in preparations for major international sporting events. Strengthened rail links to stadiums in Rabat and Marrakech, as well as the upcoming complex in Benslimane, are part of a broader transportation strategy designed to accommodate large visitor flows associated with the 2030 World Cup. Similar upgrades are being planned for connections to Morocco’s busiest airports, including Mohammed V International Airport and the developing Rabat–Salé Airport.

However, the opportunities linked to expansion also highlight the challenges facing the existing network. Many of Morocco’s conventional trains are approaching technical obsolescence, limiting reliability and performance. Parts of the conventional rail infrastructure, built decades ago, struggle to meet today’s higher transport density, especially during peak travel seasons. Modernization of signaling systems, track rehabilitation, and station upgrades remain essential components of the country’s transport priorities.

The government sees the renewal of the fleet not only as a necessity for service improvement but also as a chance to stimulate national industrial development. Current plans envision the creation of local manufacturing and maintenance units for railway equipment, with the aim of achieving a high rate of local integration. Authorities note that developing a domestic railway industry could reduce procurement costs, strengthen skills, and potentially position Morocco as an exporter of specialized components or services to African and Mediterranean markets.

The broader strategic vision for rail development is closely tied to the country’s New Development Model, which promotes sustainable mobility, low-carbon transport, and inclusive access to essential services. With climate concerns shaping global transport policies, Morocco aims to position rail—one of the cleanest modes of mass transport—as a central element of its environmental commitments. Extending high-speed and regional services is seen as a way to reduce road congestion, lower emissions, and create a more balanced national mobility system.

Despite the ambitious roadmap, financing and coordination challenges remain. High-speed rail requires substantial investment, and balancing spending between new projects and upgrades of existing infrastructure is a persistent dilemma. Ensuring coherent integration between regional authorities, transport operators, and industrial partners is also essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Nonetheless, indicators suggest that Morocco’s railway transformation is gaining momentum. The forthcoming procurement of new trains, combined with ongoing modernization works and the expansion of the TGV network, signals a period of deep structural change. Officials argue that these reforms will enable the country to consolidate its position at the national, regional, and international levels in terms of infrastructure quality and transport competitiveness.

As Morocco prepares for a decade marked by urban growth, global events, and evolving mobility needs, the success of its railway modernization plans will play a central role in shaping the nation’s transport landscape—and in ensuring that the system meets the expectations of future generations.