Kingdom of Morocco

High-Speed Train Tangier – Casablanca
(Second Loan)

Objectives:

The project aims at contributing to the economic and social development of the north western region of the Kingdom of Morocco, and at improving land transportation services to accommodate the rapidly growing demand for passenger railway transportation between Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca. The project also aims at improving the connection between urban areas through the use of the high-speed train, which provides a fast and safe means of transport for its passengers. In addition, the project will contribute to the development of various services inside and outside the five new passenger stations included in the project.

Description:

The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2018, consists of the following components:

1. Construction of a Railway line for the High-Speed Train:
   1. Infrastructure Civil Works: This includes all earth works required for the construction of the new double-rail railway line between Tangier and Kenitra with a length of 200 km. It also includes the construction of drainage works, bridges, over-passes and under-passes, as well as environmental protection works. The new railway line is divided into a norther section with a length of about 90 km, and a southern section with a length of about 110 km.
   2. Railway Works: This includes supplying and placing of ballast, manufacturing and installation of concrete sleepers, rails and railway switches. It also includes establishing two bases for railway works and maintenance in Asilah and Kenitra, and developing the train stations in Tangier and Kenitra.
   3. Electric Works and Systems: This includes works related to the electric overhead lines, transmission sub-stations, and the central control station in Rabat. It also includes control, signaling and telecommunications systems required for the regulation of train movements.
2. Rolling Stock: This includes procurement of 14 high-speed trains (320 km/hr). Each train consists of 2 locomotives and 8 double-deck passenger cars with a total capacity of 534 passengers.
3. Maintenance Workshop: This includes building and equipping a workshop in Tangier for the maintenance of high-speed trains.
4. Passenger Stations: This includes the construction and architectural works for five new passenger stations: Rabat – Agdal, Rabat – City, Tangier – City, Kenitra, and Casablanca – Passengers. These works include the construction of areas for various services, platforms, administrative buildings, offices, commercial shops, restaurants and car parks.
5. Consultancy Services: This includes the provision of consultancy services to prepare studies, detailed designs and tender documents, the supervision of the project execution, and assistance to ONCF in managing the execution of the project.
6. Land Expropriation: This includes the acquisition of land required for the project execution, as well as relocation of the utility networks that may obstruct the project alignment.

Financing:

The two Arab Fund loans, the first No. 568/2011 and the second, cover about 9% of the total project cost. The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development contributes to the financing of the project with two loans for a total amount of KD 40.0 million (about 5%), the Saudi Fund for Development contributes with a loan equivalent to about KD 55.7 million (about 7%), the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development contributes with two loans for a total amount equivalent to about KD 37.9 million (about 4%), the Islamic Development Bank contributes with a loan equivalent to about KD 30.6 million (about 4%), and both the French and Moroccan governments contribute with loans and grants for a total amount equivalent to about KD 611.5 million (about 71%).