Hello everyone, Today, I’m taking you to a brand-new continent: Africa, to discover the railway jewel of Morocco. This route is the backbone of the country, connecting the industrial hub of Kénitra to the economic capital Casablanca, via the political heart, Rabat. Brief History of the Line The Kénitra–Casablanca line is historically the first to have been electrified in Morocco (back in the 1920s). It has always been the laboratory for Moroccan railway modernization. In 1984, the ONCF launched the TNR (Train Navette Rapide) service, nicknamed "Aouita", which revolutionized commuting between the two cities. Today, it is part of the "Atlantic Corridor" which hosts the first high-speed service in Africa, making it a unique mix of century-old heritage and 21st-century technology. Route Specifications Section: Kénitra – Salé – Rabat – Mohammedia – Casablanca-Port. Distance: ~135 km. (~84 miles) Track Gauge: Standard Gauge (1,435 mm). Running Side: Right-hand traffic. Max Gradient: ~1.2%. Max Speed : 160 km/h (100 mph) Average Speed : 90-110 km/h (55-70 mph) All Stations Served Kénitra (Terminal) Salé-Tabriquet Salé-Ville Rabat-Ville Rabat-Agdal (Major Hub) Skhirat Bouznika Mohammedia Ain Sebaa Casablanca-Voyageurs Casablanca-Oasis Casablanca-Port (Terminus) Rolling Stock Details 1. AnsaldoBreda Z2M (The "TNR") History: Introduced in 2006 to reinforce the "Aouita" service, these double-deck trains are derived from the Italian TAF (Treno Alta Frequentazione). They were specifically adapted for the Moroccan climate and high-capacity needs. Features: Known for their distinctive "snake" livery. They offer great acceleration, making them perfect for the dense commuter schedule of the Atlantic coast. 2. Alstom Prima M4 (E-1400/E-1450) History: Morocco has a long-standing history with Alstom locomotives. The Prima M4s are the workhorses of the network, replacing the older CC 7100 and BB 15000 style locos. They are versatile, used for both heavy passenger "Al Atlas" trains and freight. Gameplay: Paired with Corail coaches (originally a French design but many were built or refurbished locally), they offer a classic "loco-hauled" driving experience. 3. TGV 2N2 / Euroduplex (Al Boraq) History: Inaugurated in 2018, the Al Boraq is the pride of the ONCF. These are customized TGV Duplex trainsets specifically engineered to withstand Morocco’s high temperatures and coastal sand conditions. They represent the first high-speed rail service in Africa. Gameplay: While these trainsets are capable of reaching 320 km/h (200 mph) on the dedicated LGV section between Tanger and Kénitra, they operate at a maximum of 160 km/h on the conventional Atlantic Mainline section from Kénitra to Casablanca. Driving this route requires the player to master the transition from high-speed running to the more complex, lower-speed environment of the classic mixed-traffic network, where strict adherence to signaling is mandatory while sharing tracks with regional commuters. ⚡ Technical & Safety Systems Power: The line is electrified at 3 kV DC, standard for Moroccan mainlines. Signaling: It uses a Lateral Color Light Signaling system based on the French BAL, which will be familiar to TSW players who enjoy French routes. Safety Systems: * DAAT (Dispositif d’Arrêt Automatique des Trains): The Moroccan trackside beacon system that triggers an emergency stop if a signal is passed at danger or a speed limit is ignored. KVB: Adapted from the French system, it provides continuous speed monitoring and ensures the train respects speed restrictions throughout the journey. Communication: GSMR is the standard for secure voice and data communication between drivers and traffic control centers. ️ Landmarks & Points of Interest The Mohammed VI Tower: This is the tallest tower in Morocco and the second tallest in Africa, standing at 250 meters high. I’ve seen it from just a few meters away while taking the train recently—it's a massive and impressive sight for passengers! The Bouregreg Bridge: A massive viaduct between Salé and Rabat with a view of the Atlantic and the Hassan Tower. Rabat-Agdal Station: A modern "station-bridge" architecture, awarded the "Special Prize for Interior" at the Prix Versailles 2019. Casablanca-Port Terminal: Located right next to the city's waterfront, near the iconic Hassan II Mosque visible in the skyline. Licensing & Feasibility Implementing a Moroccan route would require a formal partnership with the ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer). Given the modern approach of the ONCF and their ongoing efforts to promote Morocco's rail network internationally, a collaboration could be a prestigious opportunity for both parties to showcase the "Al Boraq" and the Atlantic corridor on a global stage. Conclusion This route offers a mix of high-speed prestige and heavy commuter traffic. The transition from the industrial plains of Kénitra to the coastal cliffs of Rabat, finishing in the dense urban sprawl of Casablanca, provides a diverse and immersive driving experience. Thank you very much for reading my 8th detailed suggestion on this forum! I really hope to see the Moroccan network represented in Train Sim World one day.
not bad, but then, it is highspeed train on a conventional line... for me an attractive mix would be a TVM section plus KVB section... but overall nice suggestion edit: there is only one French route in the game, with no signs pointing to another in the near future, unfortunately
Lol, an Italian train in Africa We're sending they more, btw (weren't needed here anymore) Jokes aside, this fascinates me Think it would be a "weird" compromise to bring a whole new continent to TSW! Great idea Here's our counterpart!
