Kingdom of Morocco

High-Speed Train Tangier – Casablanca
Loan No: 568 Interest Rate: 3.0 %
Beneficiary: Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) Grace Period: 5 years
Project Cost: KD 743.5 million Maturity: 22 years
Amount of Loan: KD 30.0 million Repayment: 35 semi-annual installments
Date of Board Approval: - First Installment: 5 years following the first disbursement
Date of Loan Agreement: 2012-02-14 Date of Loan Effectiveness: 2029-02-11

Objectives:

The project aims at contributing to the economic and social development of the north western region of Morocco, and at improving land transportation services to accommodate the rapidly growing demand for passenger railway transportation between Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca, through the use of the high-speed train which provides fast and safe means of transportation for passengers.

Description:

The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, comprises the construction of a new double-rail track with a length of approximately 200 km and an operating speed of 320 km/hr, for the high-speed train between Tangier and Kenitra which will connect to the existing track linking Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca that has a length of approximately 130 km and an operating speed of 160 km/hr. The project consists of the following components:

  1. Infrastructure Civil Works: This includes all earth works required for the construction of the alignment of the new rail track 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 works in this component are divided into two sections: a north section of about 90 km and a south section of about 110 km.
  2. Railway: This includes supplying and placing of ballast, manufacturing and installation of concrete sleepers, rails and railway switches. It also includes establishing two bases in Asilah and Kenitra for railway works and maintenance, and developing Tangier and Kenitra train stations.
  3. Electric Works and Systems: This includes works related to the electric overhead lines (2×25 kV), transmission sub-stations, and the central control station in Rabat. It also includes control, signaling and telecommunications systems required for managing train movements.
  4. 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 capacity of 534 passengers.
  5. Maintenance Workshop: This includes building and equipping a workshop in Tangier for the maintenance of high-speed trains.
  6. 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 the Directorate of the High-Speed Line Project in managing the execution of the project.
  7. 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 Arab Fund’s loan covers about 4% of the total project cost. The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development provided two loans for a total amount of KD 40.0 million (about 5%). The Saudi Development Fund and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development provided loans equivalent to about KD 55.7 million (about 8%) and about KD 27.8 million (about 4%), respectively. The French Government provided a grant equivalent to about KD 29.2 million (about 4%), and loans and credit facilities for a total amount equivalent to about KD 243.2 million (about 33%). The French Development Agency also provided a loan equivaalent to about KD 85.6 million (about 12%). The Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development contributed to the financing of the project with an amount equivalent to about KD 34.4 million (about 5%). The Moroccan Government will cover the remaining cost of the project and any additional cost that may arise.