Morocco’s 2026-2031 government program lists a high-speed rail extension to Agadir among its rail priorities for the next investment cycle, according to Morocco World News. The plan also covers new lines towards Beni Mellal, though the report stresses that no construction calendar or financing has been confirmed.
Two phases of rail investment
The program splits rail work into two stages. The first is the 2024-2030 investment program, worth MAD 134 billion according to the report. Its four accelerated projects are:
- an extension of the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed line;
- regional RER services in five regions;
- electrification of the Fez-Oujda line;
- completion of the rail link to the Nador West Med port.
The second stage, the 2030-2035 cycle, is where Agadir appears. It foresees works to extend high-speed rail to the Souss city, with Essaouira connected to the network, as well as a new Oued Zem-Beni Mellal line via Bejaad and the upgrade of the 140 km Benguerir-Safi line.
What is known about Marrakech-Agadir
A decree dated September 1, 2026, published in the Official Gazette on September 7, declared the Marrakech-Agadir and Chichaoua-Essaouira high-speed projects of public utility. That opens the way for land acquisition procedures but does not mean building has started, Morocco World News notes.
Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh told the House of Representatives in May that the Marrakech-Agadir link would cost close to MAD 55 billion and that studies are complete. The High Atlas crossing is the main challenge, with around 70% of the works being bridges and tunnels, and the ministry and national rail operator ONCF are seeking international financing partners. Le Desk, cited in the report, puts the line at about 240 km, with a journey of roughly an hour.
The Kenitra-Marrakech line comes first
The minister said in the same May session that the Kenitra-Marrakech line was about 30% complete and on schedule, as reported by Hespress, with commissioning planned for the end of 2029. Morocco World News puts the service date at September 2029.
For travellers, the Agadir and Essaouira links would matter most for tourism: the region is already getting better air connections, such as the new Royal Air Maroc Casablanca-Essaouira flights from November 1. Rail would add a lower-carbon option, but with no financing agreement signed and no completion date set, the timetable remains open.
Sources: Morocco World News; Hespress FR
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