Morocco is moving full steam ahead with its high-speed train projects ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will cohost along with Spain and Portugal. A total of 168 trains will be brought from Spain, France and South Korea, in a large size infrastructure project valued at nearly $3 billion.
Benefiting from improved diplomatic relations with Paris, Morocco received a French government financing package worth 781 million euros to bring rail service to Marrakesh with high-speed double-decker trains. The money, which will be released in the form of a loan, will be used to procure 18 high-speed trains manufactured by French firm Alstom. Morocco already has a high-speed line lining Tangier to Kenitra. The project will allow the extension of the system beyond Kenitra to Marrakech and Agadir.
Seeking to compete for the project, the Spanish government also approved last month (February) a similar soft loan of more than 750 million euros to support Morocco’s purchase of trains to benefit the Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF).
Three foreign companies will lead this large infrastructure development project. Beside France’s Alstom, which will deliver 18 high-speed trains, according to ONCF, Spain’s CAF will sell 40 intercity trains and
South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem will supply 110 urban trains.
