• World Bank approves $350 million loan to upgrade rail transport in Greater Casablanca
• Project will modernize 73 km of rail lines, benefiting over 560,000 people by 2031
• Investment supports Morocco’s urbanization strategy and ONCF capacity building

According to the World Bank, 70 percent of Morocco’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. This rapid urbanization poses major challenges to the country's economic development.

The World Bank has approved a $350 million loan to support the development of Greater Casablanca’s mobility and logistics hub. Announced on Monday, June 9, the project aims to improve access to jobs and essential services by strengthening the railway network in this strategic zone.

The investment will fund the Close Intra-Metropolitan Service program (SIR), which focuses on modernizing and electrifying railway lines connecting central Casablanca with suburbs such as Zenata, Mohammedia, Nouaceur, and Bouskoura. Covering a total of 73 kilometers, the program includes upgrades to electric and signaling systems and introduces measures to improve climate resilience.

By 2031, more than 560,000 people are expected to benefit. The project forecasts a 7 percent increase in the number of workplaces reachable within 45 minutes and a 7.3 percent improvement in access to essential services within the same travel time. Fifteen multimodal stations will be built or renovated, ensuring universal accessibility and promoting public transportation.

In addition to improving passenger mobility, the funds aim to enhance the planning, management, and financing capacity of the National Railways Office (ONCF). “The World Bank's support will strengthen ONCF's governance and operational capacities, supporting its long-term vision of transformation into a company playing a leading role in customer service delivery,” said Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, the World Bank’s country director for the Maghreb and Malta.

This initiative comes as Morocco faces growing pressure from road congestion, pollution, and limited access in suburban areas. With 60 percent of the population already living in urban areas, a figure projected to reach 70 percent by 2050, the country is investing in modern, sustainable rail transport to meet future mobility needs.

The World Bank had previously granted Morocco $150 million in 2020 to support improvements in urban mobility.