ONCF Unveils $3 Billion Mega-Investment to Modernize Morocco’s Rail Network with Global Giants
Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) is investing $3 billion in a significant rail modernization project, acquiring 168 new trains from Alstom, CAF, and Hyundai Rotem. This initiative includes high-speed TGV trains and new intercity and regional services, alongside an assembly plant in Morocco, boosting local industry and international cooperation.
hassan benyoub 
Rabat, February 26, 2025 – Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) has announced a monumental $3 billion investment to revolutionize its rail fleet, signing contracts with international leaders Alstom (France), CAF (Spain), and Hyundai Rotem (South Korea). This ambitious project will deliver 168 cutting-edge trains to meet high-speed, intercity, and regional transport needs, marking a transformative step for Morocco’s transportation sector. Here are the key details of this landmark initiative:
A Modernized Fleet for Every Need
The investment will fund the acquisition of 168 new trains, categorized as follows:
- High-Speed Trains (TGV): 18 TGV M Sets from Alstom
Supplied by French giant Alstom, these state-of-the-art TGV M trains can exceed 350 km/h (217 mph). They will bolster the high-speed line connecting Tangier to Casablanca, enhancing connectivity between these economic hubs. - Intercity Trains: 40 ‘Oxygène’ Trains from CAF
Designed by Spanish company CAF, these “Oxygène” trains are engineered for fast and comfortable journeys between major Moroccan cities, catering to business travelers and tourists alike. - Regional/Commuter Trains (RER/TNR): 110 Double-Decker Trains from Hyundai Rotem
Partnering with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, these high-capacity double-decker trains, with a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph), will serve regional and suburban networks, addressing rising demand in urban and peri-urban areas.
Ambitious Industrial Compensation
Beyond fleet modernization, the project includes a strategic industrial component. Hyundai Rotem will establish an assembly plant in Morocco, not only producing trains locally but also targeting exports to Africa and beyond. This move promises a significant boost for Morocco’s industry, creating jobs and fostering technological know-how transfer.
Strategic Financing with Preferential Loans
To fund this massive undertaking, the ONCF has secured preferential loans from France, Spain, and South Korea—the home countries of the suppliers. This financial support ensures the project’s feasibility while strengthening economic ties between Morocco and these nations, creating a win-win partnership that safeguards this transformative investment.
Toward a Better-Connected Morocco
This mega-investment represents a milestone for Morocco’s transportation sector. With high-speed TGV trains linking major metropolises, efficient intercity services, and high-capacity regional trains, the ONCF is poised to meet growing mobility demands while elevating service quality. The project also aligns with Morocco’s preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, ensuring seamless travel for millions of anticipated visitors.
By combining rail innovation, industrial development, and international cooperation, the ONCF positions Morocco as a key player in Africa’s transportation landscape.
