ONCF Awards Contracts for Acquisition of 168 New Trains
ONCF – Morocco’s National Railways Office – has finalised contracts for a major train acquisition programme as part of its new development cycle leading up to 2030. The total budget for this initiative amounts to MAD 29 billion (approximately USD 2.9 billion).
The acquisition of 168 new-generation trains aims to both renew ONCF’s existing fleet and accommodate the anticipated growth in rail traffic. This investment aligns with Morocco’s ambitious infrastructure projects, including the extension of the high-speed line from Kenitra to Marrakech and the development of new local rail services such as the “RER” (Regional Express Network) in key regions across the Kingdom.
Following a rigorous competitive dialogue with leading global rail manufacturers over the past year, three contracts have been awarded:
- High-Speed Trains: An order for 18 high-speed trains was awarded to a consortium comprising French company Alstom Transport SA and Alstom Railways Morocco.
- Intercity Trains: The Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) secured the contract for 40 intercity trains.
- RER Trains: The South Korean company Hyundai Rotem will supply 110 RER (Trains Navette Rapides et Métropolitain) units.
In line with ONCF’s requirements, these contracts include industrial compensation commitments, fostering Morocco’s national railway industrial ecosystem. This includes establishing a local manufacturing facility to produce trains domestically, with the broader goal of positioning Morocco as a train exporter in the medium to long term.
The ONCF and the selected manufacturers will also engage in long-term partnerships to maintain the new trains, ensuring high standards of safety and reliability.
These contracts were secured with highly concessional financing from the respective countries of origin, demonstrating international confidence in Morocco’s rail ambitions. This initiative not only strengthens the rail sector as a pillar of sustainable mobility but also contributes to the Kingdom’s readiness for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.