Historic week in Africa as fastest train and longest bridge unveiled [Photos]

Al Boraq train

The project, inaugurated by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, cost $2.4bn and was co-funded by Morocco, France, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. 

The King and President Macron took the inaugural train from Tangier to the capital, Rabat.

Morocco is said to have bought 12 high-speed trains from France to be operated by the country’s railway operator, ONCF.

It is hoped that the train will increase the number of passengers from 3 million per year to over 6 million by the third year of operation, according to Maghreb Arab Press. It is also set to generate 1,500 direct and 800 indirect jobs and to ease the freight burden on Tangier.

The high-speed train is part of the efforts by Morocco to revitalise the railway system and development of a network of lines for high-speed trains in the country as well as position it as a hub for investors.

The project has however come under criticism as many Moroccans believe the government should prioritise important things such as health and education.

The inauguration also comes at a month after a terrible rail tragedy when a train overturned between Rabat and Kenitra, leading to the death of at least 8 people and injury of 85 others.

Take a glimpse of the photos: