According to data from the Moroccan Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the investment plan for the rail transport sector in the period 2012-2016 is more than doubled compared with the period 2008-2011, from 13.2 (1, € 2 billion) to 30.8 billion dirhams (2.9 billion euro). The five-year period 2012-2016 has been dedicated to the development of the rail network, through the work of preparation of the TGV (high speed train between Tangier and Casablanca, which operations is expected in 2018) and logistics platforms. As for freight transport, in the period 2012 – 2016, the volume of goods transported (except for phosphates) has reached the figure of 53.9 million tons. Moreover, according to data provided by the Ministry, the number of travelers has increased by 18% during the period 2011-2015, from 33.9 million to 40 million travelers. This increase was coupled with a significant improvement of services, as the quality of their satisfaction rate increased from 62% in 2011 to 76% in 2015. This positive performance is due to the construction and refurbishment of as many as 25 stations, 8 of which have been realized or restarted, 8 are under construction, while 9 are in the completion phase. The growth of rail traffic in Morocco is also favored by other factors such as the strengthening of the service (from 72 902 trains per year in 2011, we moved to 78 386 trains per year in 2015), increasing the capacity of the sections Casablanca – Kenitra and line Casablanca – Marrakech. As for traffic safety and travelers, the Ministry of Transport has disclosed an action plan of 140 million euro which will lead to improved and increased safety of railway lines, despite the increase in the volume of activity. This action plan has resulted in the elimination of 164 level crossings, upgrading of signaling on 193 level crossings, the construction of 892 km of anti-intrusion systems, 14 walkways and underground passages 5 inside the stations, as well the launch of awareness campaigns targeted at passengers. These initiatives have also made it possible to reduce accidents along the rails (17 deaths in 2015 against 43 in 2011) and at level crossings (1 death in 2015 against 17 in 2011).

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews