Moroccan state railway ONCF has accelerated the planning and preparatory work for the high-speed rail (HSR) line between Kénitra and Marrakesh, which is expected to cost €3.63 billion (MAD 40 billion). The 430 km line, which will serve as an extension of the 200 km Tangier – Kénitra HSR line opened in November 2018, is due to be put into operation between September and November 2029 in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. The Kénitra – Marrakesh line is designed for trains capable of travelling at a speed of 320 km/h. ONCF is already seeking bids for signalling and telecommunications equipment. The bidding process ends on 27th June 2024, installation is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and last four years.
