TANGIER > CASABLANCA

Well-known for its quality of life, warm welcome, cultural richness and bewitching landscapes, Morocco is a destination of choice. To the eyes of the world, it combines the magic of the Sahara, the glorious past of its imperial cities, the light of white cities swept by Atlantic winds and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Morocco’s economic activity is concentrated primarily in Rabat, the capital city, in Casablanca, and for the past decade in Tangier, le new industrial and logistical centre of the Kingdom. Tangier has become a hub between Europe and Africa, and a showcase for Morocco on the international stage. In addition, since its inauguration in 2018, the first high-speed line in Africa, connecting Casablanca and Tangier, represents a turning point in the history of Morocco and a real opportunity for development in the Kingdom.

• Leaving Tangier
• The first African high-speed line
• Tangier-Casablanca, the journey
• A human and technical saga
• The environment as priority

• Exceptional stations
• Al Boraq, a train for everyone
• Arriving at Casablanca
• Challenges and impact
• The network of the future

Leaving Tangier

At the crossroads of Africa and Europe, as well as the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, Tangier climbs the slopes of a vast hill overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and Spain beyond. The city continues to cultivate its cosmopolitan past. Many are the writers, painters, and poets who have succumbed to its charms. Joseph Kessel dedicated one of his books, Au Grand Socco, to the famous square in the medina. One must only stroll through the kasbah and its palace-museum to plunge into Tangier’s past, looking out over the sea, and stopping for mint tea at the legendary Café Hafa, a favourite of writer Paul Bowles. The rest of the city, on the other hand, is virtually unrecognisable. In the span of a decade, Tangier has become a modern metropolis, stimulated by the influx of economic activity around the Tanger Med port and its duty-free area, Tanger Free Zone.

Tangier-Ville station, the point of departure for the high-speed train, is itself the heart of a new and dynamic business district. To welcome the implementation of the train, a new, highly contemporary structure blends artfully with the older edifice, whose two slender towers were built in 2003. The surface area of the station has been quadrupled. Walls of glass lead seamlessly from the wide esplanade to the platforms, while taxis, cars, and buses circulate within a restricted area. Covering the concourse is a flat roof, pierced to allow the natural flow of light. Here is a nod to the traditional geometric motifs of zellij and moucharabieh, where the rhombus, or diamond, dominates in every way. In summertime, fountains and green plants provide a cool respite, while photovoltaic panels and ventilation ensure a thermal regulation that is both ecological and efficient.

The first African high-speed line

Since the beginning of the 2000s, the Moroccan railway has seen an unprecedented boom under the initiative of King Mohammed VI. Extension, modernisation, and renovation have transformed the rail stations and infrastructures. In 2006, Morocco made the commitment to introduce high-speed, in order to better connect political, economic, and tourism centres, all the while anticipating the evolution of the country’s major cities. Tangier-Casablanca was the clear choice as priority axis, uniting the two most dynamic cities of the Kingdom. In 2007, Morocco and France signed a memorandum of understanding that would secure technological partnership and skills transfer. With the arrival of high-speed, a new industry was born in Morocco, as well as professional roles that require specific expertise. Trains built by Alstom are now maintained by a French-Moroccan company, in an ultra-modern maintenance facility. The two countries also joined forces to create, in 2015, the Rail Training Institute (IFF) in Rabat, which has itself become an international point of reference. In 2018, after nearly ten years of works, the first high-speed rail line in Africa, connecting Tangier to Casablanca, was inaugurated with a train circulating at 320 km/hr. A technological leap forward in the world of rail on the continent.

Tangier-Casablanca, the journey

After departing from the Tanger-Ville station, the high-speed train known as Al Boraq passes close to the maintenance facility at the foot of the Moghogha hill, then gradually picks up speed to cross the Tangier-Casablanca motorway and winds its way through the hills of Mharhar. The line runs along the heritage site of Tahadart, an estuary formed by the mouth of Oued Tahadart and its tributary, Oued El Hachef. Bordered by forests, this estuary is fed by marshes and rainfall, and is home to hundreds of migratory birds, including the Great Bustard, a rare and protected species in Morocco. The high-speed train hurtles across the 3.5 kilometres of El Hachef, which spans lands that are arid in summer, inundated in winter, and covered with flowers in springtime.

Near Oued Lahlou, in the distance passengers can see Assilah, a charming little white city surrounded by ramparts, on the edge of the Atlantic. The train then crosses the Khemis Sahel plain, hidden behind rows of cork oaks and eucalyptus trees, and runs above the rice fields bordering Oued Loukkos, on the long viaduct that bears its name. Not far away are the ruins of Lixius, an ancient city that was Phoenician, Carthaginian, then Roman. The line passes close by the quiet Arab-Andalusian city of Larache. The track then skirts the natural reserve of Moulay Bousselham and its magnificent lagoon, Merja Zerga, cut off from the ocean by a stretch of dunes that attract thousands of birds each year, including nearly two thousand pink flamingos. Further on, the Gharb plain is recognisable by its sugar cane and sunflowers, its fruit and vegetable plantations. The high-speed train leaves the Oued Sebou behind and pulls into the station at Kenitra, the rapidly-growing capital of the Gharb region. Here ends the first section of the high-speed rail line. The train now slows to follow its route past the immense forest of cork oaks at Maamora, a site that is biologically diverse to a remarkable degree. As we approach Rabat, the Bouregreg Valley is visible in the distance, as is the majestic 12th century minaret of the Tour Hassan, the capital city’s emblem. After a few tunnels, the high-speed train stops at the platform of the immense Rabat-Agdal station. Elegant and modern, the edifice sports very contemporary facades that are etched with geometric patterns. The tracks will eventually be covered by a great slab promenade lined with trees, which will considerably transform the surrounding areas. For the duration of the last stretch to Casablanca, the line overlooks surf beaches, offering lovely getaway destinations along the Atlantic coast. The line passes through mall cities and suburbs the rest of the way to Casa-Voyageurs rail station.