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| Rail transport in Morocco | |
|---|---|
| Name | Moroccan Railways |
| Native name | Office National des Chemins de Fer du Maroc |
| Locale | Morocco |
| Began operation | 1912 |
| System length | 2,000+ km |
| Track gauge | Standard gauge, Gauge |
| Electrification | 25 kV AC (selected lines) |
| Operator | ONCF |
Rail transport in Morocco provides intercity, suburban and freight services across Morocco through a network operated primarily by the national operator ONCF. The system links major urban centers such as Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier and connects to ports like Casablanca Port and Tanger Med for international trade. Modernization projects since the early 2000s include electrification, double-tracking and the introduction of the high-speed Al Boraq service, reflecting Morocco’s strategic transport investments under national plans and international partnerships.
The Moroccan rail network originated during the late French Protectorate in Morocco period with early lines linking Casablanca to Rabat and the mining areas near Khouribga and Oued Zem. Construction intensified under colonial administration with companies such as the Compagnie des chemins de fer du Maroc and private concessionaires tied to the Hafidiya era. After independence in 1956, the state consolidated assets into national entities culminating in ONCF formation, aligning with development policies under leaders like Mohammed V and Hassan II. Key historical milestones include post-war reconstruction, the 1970s phosphate export expansion to Jorf Lasfar and integration with port infrastructure at Safi and Nador. International cooperation with partners such as Alstom, Siemens, Bombardier and bilateral agreements with France and Spain supported rolling stock procurement and signaling upgrades. Recent decades saw strategic investments tied to the Plan Azur tourism initiative and the Tangier Med logistics hub.
The network comprises standard-gauge mainlines radiating from the economic axis between Casablanca and Rabat to Fes, Marrakesh and Oujda, plus branch lines serving mining districts like Khouribga and industrial zones at Mohammedia. Major nodes include Casa-Voyageurs station, Rabat Ville, Marrakesh Station and Tangier Ville. Infrastructure upgrades feature double-track corridors, grade separation projects near Casablanca–Mohammedia, and electrified segments on the Tangier–Casablanca high-speed alignment. Signaling systems have evolved from legacy semaphore and relay interlockings to modern ETCS and centralized traffic control supplied by vendors including Thales and Siemens. Freight terminals integrate with ports Tanger Med, Casablanca Port Authority facilities and inland container depots like Sidi Bernoussi. Border and customs connectivity to Spain via maritime links at Algeciras supports combined transport chains. Network planning is influenced by national strategies and multilateral lenders such as the African Development Bank and the European Investment Bank.
ONCF operates long-distance, regional and suburban passenger services including frequent intercity expresses between Casablanca and Rabat and seasonal services to Marrakesh for tourism flows linked to Festival International du Film de Marrakech and cultural sites like Jemaa el-Fnaa. Suburban networks serve the Casablanca-Settat and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra metropolitan areas, connecting to commuter hubs like Mohammedia and Temara. Rolling stock for passenger services includes electric multiple units and diesel multiple units supplied by manufacturers such as Alstom, CAF and Stadler. Ticketing modernization introduced electronic reservations, mobile apps and integrated multimodal options with urban transit operators including Casa Transport and RATP Dev partnerships. Accessibility projects have targeted major stations including Casa-Port and Rabat Agdal to meet international standards promoted by agencies like the World Bank.
Freight operations focus on bulk commodities—primarily phosphate traffic from Khouribga to export terminals at Jorf Lasfar and Hafnaoui—serving state-owned OCP Group export flows. Containerized freight leverages the Tanger Med complex and intermodal yards at Sidi Bernoussi. Logistics chains integrate rail with road carriers such as CTM and port operators like Marsa Maroc, and customs processes coordinated with Direction Générale des Douanes et Impôts Indirects. Freight rolling stock includes hopper wagons, flatcars and specialized tankers acquired from suppliers such as Wabtec and Greenbrier. Projects to increase modal shift from road to rail have involved donors like Agence Française de Développement and private investors linked to the Belt and Road Initiative and European trade corridors.
Al Boraq is Morocco’s high-speed rail service inaugurated to connect Tangier and Casablanca with intermediate stops at Kenitra and Rabat. Rolling stock was procured from Alstom and infrastructure delivered under contracts involving Systra and other engineering firms. The line is electrified at 25 kV AC and designed for operations at up to 320 km/h, implementing ETCS and modern overhead catenary systems. Al Boraq underpins national strategies to reduce travel time between economic poles and supports links to the Tangier Med logistics platform and cross-border ferry services to Spain. Service development involved financing from institutions like the European Investment Bank and bilateral lenders from China and France.
The Moroccan fleet mixes high-speed trainsets, electric multiple units, diesel locomotives and specialized freight wagons. Notable suppliers include Alstom (TGV-based trainsets), Siemens (traction equipment), Bombardier (passenger coaches), CAF (regional units) and Stadler (DMUs). On-board systems incorporate automatic train protection, passenger information systems and CCTV from vendors such as Thales and Bosch. Maintenance bases are located at strategic depots in Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakesh with workforce training programs conducted in partnership with institutions like Ecole Mohammadia d'Ingénieurs and vocational centers supported by UNIDO initiatives.
Rail policy and regulation involve ONCF as the principal operator, regulatory oversight by ministries including the Ministry of Equipment and Water and financing from public budgets, multilateral lenders and private-public partnerships. Investment programs have been structured with participation from the African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, Agence Française de Développement and export credit agencies such as COFACE. Market reforms consider liberalization pathways similar to European models overseen by entities like Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer standards, while procurement and concession frameworks reference international best practices advocated by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation. Ongoing governance debates address network access, competitive freight markets and integration with national urban transport plans implemented by municipal authorities like those of Casablanca and Rabat.
Category:Transport in Morocco Category:Rail transport by country