Morocco to Implement Train Manufacturing Factory Project, Says Minister

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, told the House of Representatives on Monday that a project to build a factory to manufacture trains in Morocco would be implemented shortly.   Speaking at the House of Representatives’ question time, Kayouh said that this factory would supply the Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF) with trains and export them to several African countries.  In this respect, the Minister stressed that the new State-ONCF program contract, with a budget of MAD 87 billion, aims to develop the high-speed train line and improve the quality of current lines.  These projects will contribute to improving the quality of rail transport services, he noted, adding that “nearly 53 million passengers were transported in 2023 and that this figure should reach 55 million by the end of this year.”   Speaking on the high speed rail projects, Kayouh said that the high-speed train linking Kenitra and Marrakech would cut trip times to just 3 hours.  Kayouh also highlighted the measures taken by ONCF, notably as part of its 2040 plan, which has led to the development of an ambitious plan to create 1,300 km of new high-speed lines and 3,800 km of new conventional lines to link 43 Moroccan cities, compared with 23 currently.  This plan will also provide rail transport to 87% of the national population, compared with 51% currently, while creating 10 regional centers, he said.