Marrakech-Agadir high-speed rail link enters decisive phase in land procedures

A pivotal legal step towards the completion of the Marrakech-Agadir railway line

The rail link project between Marrakech and Agadir has entered a significant technical and legal phase following the publication of Decree No. 2.26.605 in the Official Gazette. This legal measure, which came into effect on September 1, 2026, declares the high-speed rail project between the two cities as being of “public utility”, paving the way for the relevant authorities to begin administrative procedures related to the lands along the route.

Details of the decree and new rail projects

The decree does not stop at the Marrakech-Agadir line but also includes the construction of a second railway connecting Chichaoua to Essaouira. These projects fall within the territorial scope of the Marrakech-Safi and Souss-Massa regions. The implementation is overseen by the Minister of Transport and Logistics.

Context of expropriation and development prospects

This development is based on Law No. 7.81 concerning expropriation for public utility. This is a mandatory legal step before beginning compensation procedures. The rail line is expected to provide significant added value to Morocco’s transport system, particularly in boosting tourism and economic activity in the southern regions.

Ministry stance and funding

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, had previously explained that feasibility studies for this 55 billion dirham project are already complete. Current efforts focus on mobilizing funding and building strategic partnerships to ensure its execution.

Clarification on the nature of “public utility”

Experts emphasize that a declaration of public utility does not necessarily mean the immediate start of construction works. Rather, it is part of the preparatory legal architecture that precedes complex technical stages, such as expropriation, compensation determination, and final financial logistics.