Morocco - Railway Infrastructure Reinforcement Project

The Railway Infrastructure Reinforcement Project is part of the National Strategy for the Development of the Transport Sector for the period 2012-2016, particularly with regard to the further upgrading and modernization of infrastructure and services with a view to increasing the logistical competitiveness of the national economy. The Tanger-Marrakesh railway axis, in which this project is included, comprises the Kenitra-Rabat-Casablanca and Casablanca-Settat-Marrakech lines, linking the South to both the North and East of the country. This line occupies, commercially, an important place in the activities of the National Office of Railways (ONCF). The allocation of this infrastructure infrastructure to meet the needs of the market in terms of competitiveness (travel time and quality of service) was considered in several phases. The phase being the subject of this support concerns: (i) the complete doubling of 141 km of the track between Settat and Marrakech; and (ii) the construction of five (5) modern railway stations between Tangier and Casablanca. The related activities will be carried out between 2015 and 2020. The main results are expected to be: (i) the flow of traffic between Casablanca and Marrakech; (ii) the improvement of operational efficiency on the Casablanca-Marrakech line and the level of service and capacity at the stations between Tangier and Casablanca; and (iii) improvement of the living environment and socio-economic conditions of the populations in its area of influence.