The Moroccan Railways (Office National des Chemins de Fer) launched the dynamic tests and the first train movements on the high-speed line. The ONCF is currently conducting tests to check the compatibility of all components of the high-speed system for traffic at 320 km/h: the high-speed train running on a track equipped with its catenary, its signaling system and telecommunications, as well as its power supply system. Alstom will provide 14 Duplex high-speed train sets within a contract worth about EUR 400 million signed in 2010 with ONCF.
This is the first high speed train to operate in Africa.
Initially, on a line of 40 km from Kénitra, the trains will gradually travel to a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Then, the speed increase will take place gradually in stages, during the second half of 2017, to reach 320 km/h over a 100 km stretch.
Finally, the tests will cover the entire route including the connections at the Tangiers and Kénitra stations in order to certify infrastructure and rolling stock throughout the high speed line. The goal is to finalize everything to put the line into service in the summer of 2018.
Along with these tests, civil works are being completed on the north section of the line: more than 175 km of platforms have already been built on a total of 200 km, ONCF announced.
The laying of the track also continues on all fronts from the two work bases of Kénitra and Tnine Sidi El Yamani at a very sustained rate, and more than 120 km of rail are now laid. The project has a promotion rate of 87%, all components combined.
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