‘high-speed’ boost for morocco

A new high-speed rail link between two of Morocco's largest cities has been announced…

The new line - which will cost a total of $2.7bn - will link Tangier in the north with the commercial capital Casablanca, and will be operational by 2013.

Rabie Khlie, Managing Director of Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) - Morocco’s state rail authority - commented: “The line is expected to carry 8 million passengers a year and will reduce the time taken for the 300-kilometre journey to 2 hours 10 minutes from 5 hours 45 minutes. The project will also include the delivery of 18 high-speed train wagons.

“ONCF is also planning to spend $755m to develop rail infrastructure in the north. Plans include a 43-kilometre link between Tangier and the new Tangier-Mediterranean port development, and the modernisation of existing railway stations in the region

This means that their desirability to overseas property investors could be enhanced significantly, as they will be strategically well-placed to offer quick access to the two cities