Imagine Traveling from Madrid to Casablanca in Just Over Five Hours
Imagine traveling from Madrid to Casablanca in just over five hours, and then continuing your journey to explore the south, including Marrakech and Essaouira, all without ever setting foot in an airport. This vision could soon become a reality thanks to renewed efforts to construct a rail link between Southern Europe and North Africa, just in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup (CDM2030).
An Ambitious Project to Connect Two Continents
The underwater tunnel project between Morocco and Spain, which would be the first to connect the two continents, is gaining momentum. Although versions of this idea have been proposed for decades, the latest proposal is making significant progress. Recently, Moroccan authorities announced that they would launch official feasibility studies for the project.
This 27.4-kilometer tunnel would dive under the Strait of Gibraltar, connecting the cities of Punta Paloma in Spain and Malabata in Morocco. In addition to this connection, the proposal aims to integrate the link with the major rail networks of both countries, allowing passengers to easily travel across Europe and Africa.
A Major Technological and Logistical Advance
Since 2018, Morocco has had a high-speed rail network similar to France’s TGV, reaching speeds of 200 kilometers per hour (Al Boraq – ONCF), the first of its kind in Africa for this Moroccan TGV. This modern infrastructure could be directly connected to the new tunnel, offering unprecedented transportation fluidity between the two continents.
Raquel Sánchez, Spain’s Minister of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda, emphasized the importance of this project for Europe-Africa relations. For the past year, Moroccan and Spanish governments have been engaged in high-level discussions to revive this ambitious initiative. Spain has already allocated funds to study the project’s logistics, a crucial aspect for an undertaking of this magnitude.
A Colossal Technical and Engineering Project
The project plans for the construction of two single-track underwater tunnels, each measuring 27.4 kilometers in length and plunging up to 472 meters below sea level. The Strait of Gibraltar reaches nearly 914 meters at its deepest point, adding a significant technical complexity to the project.
Considerable Economic and Real Estate Impact
If realized, the rail link could transport 12.8 million passengers and 13 million tons of freight annually. This would represent a huge boost for the Moroccan economy and a golden opportunity for the local real estate market.
With a direct rail connection to Europe, Morocco would become a strategic hub for businesses and investors. Regions close to the new infrastructure, such as Tangier and Casablanca, would likely see increased real estate demand, thereby stimulating investments in the sector, which would undoubtedly have a positive impact on a city like Marrakech.
Real estate professionals in Morocco are preparing for this major transformation. The construction of this underwater tunnel could lead to a significant rise in property prices, an increase in development projects, and greater attractiveness for international investors.
Stay Tuned!
The underwater rail tunnel project between Morocco and Spain represents much more than a mere technological advance. It is a unique opportunity to boost the Moroccan economy and transform the real estate market. Real estate professionals and investors should stay attentive to the evolution of this project, which could redefine Morocco’s economic and real estate landscape for decades to come.
