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Business News: Morocco launches Fez–Oujda upgrade – International Railway Journal
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI formally launched the modernization of the 354km Fez–Oujda line on June 19 during a visit to Oujda. Image: David Gubler
International Railway Journal, by Keith Barrow (June 20, 2013) — KING Mohammed VI of Morocco formally launched the modernization of the 354km Fez – Oujda line on June 19 during a royal visit to the city of Oujda in the northeast of the country.
The Dirhams 900m ($US 105m) initial phase of the project involves the renewal of around 100km of track and the electrification of the 119km section between Fez and Taza, as well as upgrading structures for heavier trains.
The line is ultimately expected to carry traffic between Morocco and Algeria. On the Algerian side of the frontier a 130km line is currently under construction from Oued Tlelat to Tlemcen, and a second phase is planned which will extend the line to the Moroccan border near Oujda.