Al Boraq Expansion: How Morocco is Linking Tangier to Marrakech via High-Speed Rail

The expansion of the Al Boraq high-speed rail network represents one of Morocco’s most strategic infrastructure projects linked to the Vision 2030 national development agenda and preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2030. By extending high-speed rail services from Tangier toward Marrakech, Morocco aims to transform intercity mobility, reduce travel times between major urban centers, and strengthen connections between transport hubs across the country.

The project builds on the success of the first Al Boraq line connecting Tangier to Casablanca, which became the first high-speed railway in Africa when it opened in 2018. The next phase of the program focuses on extending the network southward to Marrakech through new high-speed tracks and upgrades to existing rail corridors. These investments are designed to support economic development, tourism growth, and the logistics demands of hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Once integrated with highways, airports, and port infrastructure, the expanded rail network will play a key role in Morocco’s broader infrastructure strategy. Several elements of that national strategy are examined in this overview of Morocco’s World Cup infrastructure masterplan, which outlines how transport investments support the country’s long-term economic transformation.

The Al Boraq High-Speed Rail System

Africa’s First High-Speed Train

Morocco launched the Al Boraq high-speed rail line between Tangier and Casablanca in November 2018. The line covers roughly 323 kilometers and includes 186 kilometers of newly built high-speed track between Tangier and Kenitra, where trains can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. South of Kenitra, trains operate on upgraded conventional lines toward Rabat and Casablanca at speeds up to 160 km/h. Source

The project was developed by Morocco’s national railway operator ONCF with technical support from international partners including French railway operator SNCF and engineering firms specialized in high-speed rail systems.

Since its launch, the line has significantly reduced travel times between northern and central Morocco. Travel between Tangier and Casablanca now takes around two hours and ten minutes compared with nearly five hours before the high-speed service began. Source

This initial success demonstrated the feasibility of high-speed rail in Morocco and encouraged authorities to pursue further expansion of the network.

The Tangier to Marrakech High-Speed Rail Expansion

Extending the LGV Line South of Casablanca

The next major stage in Morocco’s rail modernization strategy focuses on extending high-speed service from Casablanca to Marrakech. This project involves constructing a new LGV high-speed corridor linking Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.

Moroccan authorities have announced plans to invest approximately $10 billion in railway infrastructure as part of a long-term program that includes the extension of high-speed rail to Marrakech. Source

Once completed, the extended high-speed network will connect Tangier to Marrakech through a continuous modern rail corridor. The project will significantly reduce travel time between these cities and create a fast transport backbone linking northern ports, economic centers, and tourism destinations.

Travel time between Tangier and Marrakech is expected to drop to roughly two hours and forty minutes once the extension becomes operational.

The railway expansion also aligns with Morocco’s strategy to improve transport links between major World Cup host cities, enabling rapid movement of visitors and teams across the country.

Integration With World Cup Host Cities

The extension of the Al Boraq network directly supports Morocco’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2030. Several Moroccan host cities, including Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, lie along the future high-speed rail corridor.

By connecting these cities through a fast and reliable rail network, Morocco will allow fans to travel efficiently between match venues without relying exclusively on air travel or highways.

High-speed rail also complements other transport infrastructure upgrades taking place across the country. Road expansion programs linking major cities are discussed in this analysis of Morocco’s highway expansion strategy, while airport capacity improvements are examined in this report on the Casablanca airport expansion project.

When integrated, these systems will create a multimodal transport network capable of handling large passenger volumes during international events.

Engineering and Industrial Development

Rolling Stock and Technology Partnerships

The Al Boraq trains operating on the existing line are Alstom Euroduplex high-speed trainsets designed for double-deck passenger capacity and speeds exceeding 300 km/h. The trains were manufactured by the French engineering group Alstom, which has maintained a long-standing partnership with Morocco’s railway sector.

Morocco is also expanding its domestic rail industry to support future railway development. Alstom has invested in railway component manufacturing in Morocco, including a facility in Fez producing electrical systems for trains. The industrial expansion of this sector is explored in this report on Alstom’s rail manufacturing operations in Morocco.

Developing domestic rail manufacturing capabilities helps Morocco reduce reliance on imported components while strengthening the country’s position in the global railway supply chain.

ONCF’s Long-Term High-Speed Rail Strategy

The Tangier–Marrakech corridor represents only one element of Morocco’s broader high-speed rail strategy. The national railway operator ONCF has developed a long-term plan to extend high-speed services toward Agadir and other regional cities in the future.

These investments form part of a comprehensive modernization program for Morocco’s rail network, including new stations, upgraded signaling systems, and improved intercity services. A detailed overview of this strategy appears in this analysis of ONCF’s high-speed rail investment program.

Once implemented, the expanded network will improve connectivity between economic clusters and support long-term national development objectives.

Why High-Speed Rail Matters for Morocco’s Economy

High-speed rail infrastructure plays an increasingly important role in Morocco’s economic strategy. By reducing travel times between cities, fast rail services strengthen economic integration and support the movement of workers, tourists, and business travelers.

For example, improved connections between Tangier and Casablanca support logistics operations linked to the Tanger Med port complex, one of the largest container ports in the Mediterranean. Faster passenger transport also helps distribute tourism flows between regions by making destinations such as Marrakech more accessible.

Rail infrastructure also contributes to environmental sustainability by offering an energy-efficient alternative to road and air travel. High-speed trains consume significantly less energy per passenger compared with short-haul flights or long-distance car travel.

For Morocco, expanding the Al Boraq network therefore supports several strategic objectives simultaneously. The system strengthens national mobility, reduces carbon emissions, and improves the resilience of the transport network.

How the Al Boraq Expansion Fits Into Morocco’s Infrastructure Transformation

The Tangier to Marrakech high-speed rail expansion illustrates how Morocco is using large-scale infrastructure projects to accelerate economic modernization ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2030.

Transport investments across multiple sectors aim to create a highly integrated national mobility system. Highways, airports, ports, and railways are being upgraded simultaneously to support both international events and long-term development.

Rail infrastructure plays a central role within this strategy because it connects urban centers, logistics zones, and tourism regions through a fast and reliable transport network.

As a result, the Al Boraq expansion represents more than a railway project. It reflects Morocco’s broader effort to modernize its infrastructure while strengthening its role as a gateway between Africa and Europe.

Conclusion

The expansion of the Al Boraq high-speed rail network marks a major milestone in Morocco’s infrastructure transformation. By linking Tangier to Marrakech through a modern high-speed rail corridor, Morocco is creating a transport backbone that connects major cities, ports, and tourism destinations.

The project will play a crucial role during the FIFA World Cup 2030 by enabling efficient travel between host cities. At the same time, the new railway infrastructure will support long-term economic development by improving mobility, strengthening logistics networks, and encouraging regional integration.

Through investments in high-speed rail, highways, airports, and industrial infrastructure, Morocco continues to position itself as one of the leading infrastructure development hubs in Africa.