Transport: Morocco modernizes its rail network and prepares for the 2030 World Cup
Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics, provided an update on the ongoing projects, highlighting the modernization of 346 train cars and the acquisition of 60 new ones, as well as the purchase of 30 new-generation locomotives equipped with a 380-volt electricity generation system.
In his response to oral questions on Monday at the House of Representatives, Abdessamad Kayouh specified that as part of the national rail network modernization plan by 2030, in the perspective of the Football World Cup scheduled for that year in Morocco, Spain and Portugal, the National Railway Office (ONCF) plans to acquire 168 new trains, including 18 high-speed trains.
The minister added that the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA), in collaboration with all the stakeholders involved in road safety (Royal Gendarmerie, National Security, Civil Protection, Ministries of the Interior and Health), is working to implement a comprehensive system based on a common vision of all these institutions.
The official recalled that between 2015 and 2024, the mortality rate due to road accidents decreased by more than 15.64% for all users, with the exception of motorcyclists, whose rate increased by 63.04%. Kayouh also indicated that the exercise of any transport activity on behalf of others is subject to prior authorization issued by the competent services of the Department of Transport and Logistics.
And he added: "We are currently working, in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior, on a study on mobility basins, which will determine the actual number of vehicles dedicated to passenger transport and other types of transport, such as freight transport. The results of this study will be presented and discussed before the House of Representatives."
