Train travel between Spain and Morocco
If plans do go ahead, a tunnel will be built under the Strait of Gibraltar to launch a new train service between the two countries. The train would have stops in Madrid and Casablanca, around 300 km (186 mi) south of Tangier. It has been estimated that the entire train journey would take around five and a half hours and would be a more sustainable travel option.
How much is known so far about the train link from Europe to Africa?
During March, Spanish Foreign Minister, Oscar Puente visited Morocco to put the plan into action. At the time, he said a date would be set for “as soon as possible” for a meeting to confirm the new transport link.
More about the train tunnel between Spain and Morocco
When Puente met with Moroccan officials in the country’s capital of Rabat, relations were reportedly positive between the two countries. Moreover, the link between Spain and Morocco would also help to promote the development of better infrastructure and transport links in the North African country.
In February last year, Raquel Sanchez, Puente’s predecessor had renewed discussions on the project, saying:
We are going to give impetus to the studies of the Fixed Link Project for the Strait of Gibraltar, which was initiated by both countries 40 years ago. A strategic project for Spain and Morocco, and also for Europe and Africa.
Meanwhile, Spain’s government has allocated €2.3 million in funds for the SECEGSA to look further into the project. Moreover, Railtech, a rail news website, reported that the tunnel’s route would run from Punta Paloma in Tarifa, Spain to Punta Malabata in the Bay of Tangiers. Reportedly, the tunnel would be dug to a maximum depth of 300 m (984 ft) and would feature a maximum gradient of three percent.
It is estimated that the proj4ect would take up to five years to complete, which means it could well be ready in time for the FIFA World Cup, making an effective way to connect the two host countries.
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