By Mustafa Al-Mraini
RABAT, Oct 31 (KUNA) -- The LGV Tangier-Casablanca line with its high-speed train is considered one of the most ambitious projects which was launched by the Moroccan government in 2011.
The project, carried out by the Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF), has attracted various contributors, one of them being the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).
During one of the numerous visits by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Morocco, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Kuwait and Morocco to fund the project, a gesture that showcased the spirit of brotherhood linking the two nations.
Director General of the ONCF, Mohammed Rabie Khlie said that the rail line will stretch over 200 kilometers with the rains working on an operating speed of 320 kilometers per hour.
The time duration between Tangier and Casablanca will be reduced to two hours and 10 minutes rather than the previous time of four hours and 45 minutes, said Khlie, adding that the rail line is estimated to be able to transport some six million travelers within the first year of operation. The rail line is expected to open in 2018.
The project is expected to generate some 30,000 jobs. The trains will operate according to high environmental standards, reducing carbon dioxide emission by 20,000 tons annually. (end) ymr.gta