The Grand Casablanca railway program, launched by King Mohammed VI one year ago, has reached a major milestone with its main projects now underway. The program, worth 20 billion dirhams, is being implemented by the Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF) and aims to develop a more integrated and efficient railway network in the Casablanca metropolitan area. The program includes the construction of three new-generation stations, ten proximity train stations, and the renovation of five existing stations.
The program aims to improve mobility in the Casablanca metropolitan area by increasing the capacity of the railway network, enhancing services to major urban and economic hubs, and developing a more efficient proximity railway service. The ONCF says that the coordinated implementation of infrastructure, stations, and associated equipment will create a more integrated, efficient, and connected metropolitan railway system that can meet the evolving mobility needs of the Grand Casablanca area.
Three new-generation stations are being built in Casablanca-Sud, Mohammed V Airport, and Grand Stade Hassan II. Work on these stations is progressing satisfactorily, with each expected to take 24 months to complete. The Casablanca-Sud station will be a major hub, serving high-speed Al Boraq trains, mainline trains, and regional and proximity services. It will be directly connected to the tramway, bus services, and taxi networks, enhancing its role as a major interchange.
The Mohammed V Airport station will be a strategic link in the airport's railway service and will integrate the Casablanca-Nouaceur hub into the Grand Casablanca railway network. The station will provide a seamless connection between air and rail transport, with direct access to the airport terminal and a separate entrance to the city. The station will have four platforms and seven tracks, including two dedicated to the classic line, two to the high-speed line, and three to the airport express service.
The Grand Stade Hassan II station in Benslimane will address two major challenges: accommodating the influx of visitors during major events, such as the 2030 World Cup, and enhancing services to new urban areas. The station will have two platforms and four tracks dedicated to high-speed trains during major events, as well as five platforms and six tracks for proximity trains, connecting Benslimane to various communes in the Casablanca and Rabat regions.
The ONCF reports that work on the proximity train network is also progressing significantly. Ten new stations are being built, with construction underway and progress in line with the established plan. These stations will be located in key areas of the metropolitan area, including Mohammedia Faculties, Zenata Industrial Zone, and Sidi Maârouf. The stations will have a common architectural design, providing smooth and clear passenger flows between urban accesses, halls, and platforms.
The Grand Casablanca railway program is a major infrastructure project that will transform the city's transportation network. With its main projects now underway, the program is expected to have a significant impact on mobility in the Casablanca metropolitan area. The ONCF is working to complete the program, which will provide a more efficient, integrated, and connected railway network for the region.
Key points
- The Grand Casablanca railway program has made significant progress with its main projects now underway.
- The program aims to improve mobility in the Casablanca metropolitan area by increasing the capacity of the railway network and enhancing services.
- Three new-generation stations are being built in Casablanca-Sud, Mohammed V Airport, and Grand Stade Hassan II.
