Morocco: WB supports Casablanca’s rail projects with $350 Mln funding

The World Bank has approved a $350 million financing package for the Greater Casablanca Mobility & Logistics Hub,which aims to improve services for passenger railways in the Greater Casablanca area.

The funding will also support Morocco’s national railway operator – Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) – in managing and expanding railway infrastructure.

Morocco is experiencing rapid urbanization,with 60 percent of its population now residing in cities,a figure expected to increase to 70 percent by 2050. This growth,especially in the Casablanca-Settat region,a key economic driver,offers substantial development opportunities.

Morocco is expanding rail transport and public transportation infrastructure to improve accessibility and reduce environmental impacts,aligning with national goals for sustainable urban transport solutions.

In the Greater Casablanca region,the “Service Intra-métropolitain Rapproché” (SIR) program is transforming railway services by upgrading and constructing train stations,as well as increasing high-frequency passenger rail transport. This initiative ensures key locations are accessible within 45 minutes,expanding opportunities for residents and businesses while promoting connectivity and reducing environmental impacts.

The World Bank’s new financing initiative will support the SIR in establishing an electrified passenger rail service,connecting the urban center with suburban areas such as Zenata,Mohammedia,Nouaceur,and Bouskoura.

The program will utilize a 73-KM brownfield right-of-way to expand track capacity and enhance existing rail infrastructure,including electrical systems and signaling,with a focus on climate resilience. This effort aims to alleviate congestion on existing lines and boost freight capacity to the port of Casablanca.

Additionally,the program focuses on maintaining and upgrading infrastructure in the Casablanca-Settat region. It plans to construct or enhance 15 multimodal train stations,integrating Transit-Oriented Development strategies and universal accessibility features,and will improve logistics facilities in Greater Casablanca,concentrating on rail-centric logistics in Ain Sebaa and enhancing connectivity around a new logistics zone in Zenata.