Morocco's National Railway Office (ONCF) has launched the implementation phase of its Casablanca railway development program, a MAD 20 billion initiative aimed at expanding and modernizing the metropolitan railway network. The program, part of Morocco's broader railway transformation plan for 2030, which has a total budget of MAD 96 billion, seeks to improve connections between major residential, economic, and transport hubs. The Casablanca program includes several major infrastructure projects designed to enhance the city's railway network.
The Casablanca program involves the construction of three new-generation railway stations, 10 new Metropolitan Local Train stations, the upgrading of five existing stations, and the construction of 260 kilometers of new railway lines. Additionally, the program provides for the construction or expansion of 50 engineering structures, two technical centers, five maintenance centers, and the acquisition of 48 new trains for local and regional services. These projects aim to strengthen connections between areas where people live and work.
Work has started on three flagship stations: Casablanca-South, Mohammed V Airport, and the Hassan II Stadium. Each project is scheduled for completion within 24 months. The future Casablanca-South station will serve as a major rail and intermodal hub, featuring six platforms and 10 railway tracks. It will serve Al Boraq high-speed trains, long-distance services, and regional and local trains, and connect with Casablanca's tramway, high-level bus service, buses, and taxis.
The Mohammed V Airport station will connect the airport directly to the Casablanca railway network, improving access between the airport, Casablanca, and surrounding economic and urban areas. The station will have four platforms and seven tracks, with two tracks serving the conventional railway line, two serving the high-speed line, and three dedicated to the Aéroexpress service. The facility will connect directly to the airport terminal and provide access from the city side toward the Nouaceur area.
The Hassan II Stadium station in Benslimane will serve passengers attending major events, including those linked to the 2030 World Cup, while supporting connectivity with new urban areas expected to develop around the stadium. The station will include two platforms and four tracks for high-speed trains during major events and five platforms and six tracks for local services connecting Benslimane with municipalities across the Casablanca and Rabat regions.
The program also includes 10 new stations designed to bring local railway services closer to residential and economic areas across Casablanca. Construction is underway on stations in Mohammedia Faculties, Zenata Industrial Zone, Zenata New Town, Sidi Bernoussi, Ain Sebaa, Hay Mohammadi, Mers Sultan, Casa Oasis, Sidi Maarouf, and Nouaceur New Town. These stations will follow a common architectural concept and include passenger reception and sales areas, waiting spaces, and technical and safety facilities.
The new facilities will help expand access to rail services and strengthen connections between areas where people live and work. The Casablanca railway development program is a significant step toward achieving Morocco's railway transformation plan for 2030. The program's progress will be closely watched as it aims to improve the efficiency and reach of Morocco's railway network.
Key points
- The Casablanca railway development program involves a MAD 20 billion investment in several major infrastructure projects.
- The program includes the construction of three new-generation railway stations and 10 new Metropolitan Local Train stations.
- The initiative aims to improve connections between major residential, economic, and transport hubs in Casablanca.
