What will be done

A mega-project is currently underway to connect Casablanca to its regional environment by 2030. The announcement was made by Abdellatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat region, during the city’s council meeting on October 2nd, and was confirmed by ONCF in its rail development plan.

Led by the Office under Mohamed Rabie Khlie, the project is part of the 2022-2027 Regional Development Program and has been budgeted at 11 billion dirhams, with 2.5 billion provided by the region.

Specifically, these five RER lines, which will run in parallel with the High-Speed Line (LGV) project, aim to connect Mohammedia Faculties to Nouaceur via Mohammedia city, Zenata new town, Sidi Bernoussi, Aïn Sebaâ, Hay Mohammadi, Casa Voyageurs, Nouvelle Médina, Mers Sultan, Casa Oasis, Casa Sud, Sidi Maârouf, Bouskoura, Nouaceur new town, and Mohammed V Airport.

« Several train stations in Casablanca will be reopened, including Mers Sultan, while others will be fully renovated as part of this project, » explains Moulay Ahmed Afilal

The second line will connect Casa Port to Nouaceur, passing through Hay Mohammadi, Casa Voyageurs, Nouvelle Médina, Mers Sultan, Casa Oasis, Casa Sud, Sidi Maârouf, and Bouskoura. The third line will link Casa Port to Mohammed V Airport via Casa Voyageurs and Casa Sud. The fourth line will connect Mohammedia Facultés to Casa Port, passing through Mohammedia city, Zenata new city, Sidi Bernoussi, and Aïn Sebaâ, while the last line will link Casa Sud to El Jadida, via Bouskoura and Azemmour.

The first three lines will have a train every 15 minutes, and every 30 minutes for the other two. “Several train stations in Casablanca will be reopened, including Mers Sultan, while others will be fully renovated as part of this project,” explains Moulay Ahmed Afilal.

Who is financing it

According to Moulay Ahmed Afilal, Vice President of the Casablanca City Council, the project will receive financial support from several state actors, including the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Transport, in addition to the ONCF and local authorities.

Why it matters

“The RER will meet the growing transportation demand of Casablanca residents as well as those from other cities in the region, by streamlining interurban travel. It’s an opportunity for the city and its economic actors, who will benefit from skills from across the entire region,” emphasizes Moulay Ahmed Afilal.

Written in French by Younes Saoury, edited in English by Eric Nielson