France Grants €781M for Alstom Trains Purchase by ONCF
- Morocco is set to enhance its railway infrastructure through a significant financial cooperation with France, marking a new chapter in their long-standing partnership.
- The cornerstone of this project is the acquisition of 18 high-speed trains.
- the introduction of these new trains aligns with Morocco's commitment to sustainable mobility.
Morocco‘s High-Speed Rail Expansion Forges Stronger Franco-Moroccan Ties
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Morocco is set to enhance its railway infrastructure through a significant financial cooperation with France, marking a new chapter in their long-standing partnership. This initiative aims to bolster enduring mobility and economic advancement within teh Kingdom.
High-Speed Trains to Connect Key Cities
The cornerstone of this project is the acquisition of 18 high-speed trains. These trains will be supplied by Alstom, a French company with a century-long presence in Morocco. The chosen model is the Avelia horizon, a double-decker train capable of accommodating up to 640 passengers and reaching speeds of 320 km/h.
Sustainable Mobility and Reduced Carbon Footprint
the introduction of these new trains aligns with Morocco’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The project is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel, contributing to the nation’s environmental objectives.
Local expertise and Production
While the trains will be manufactured in Alstom’s French factories, Morocco’s local railway ecosystem will also benefit.The Alstom factory in Fès will produce electrical cabinets and cable bundles, fostering local expertise and contributing to the growth of the Moroccan railway sector.
A Testament to Franco-Moroccan Cooperation
Christophe Lecourtier, the French ambassador to Morocco, emphasized the meaning of this financial undertaking. He stated:
ce financement d’un montant exceptionnel vient consacrer le formidable partenariat franco-marocain en matière ferroviaire, déjà à l’origine de l’immense succès de la ligne à grande vitesse entre Tanger et Kenitra qui a transporté en 2024 près de 5 millions de passagers. La France et ses entreprises seront de nouveau aux côtés du Maroc pour la réalisation de l’ambitieux prolongement de la ligne jusqu’à Marrakech. Au-delà de la dimension ferroviaire, ce projet constitue un véritable accélérateur du développement économique du Royaume qui s’inscrit de plus dans la perspective de la Coupe du Monde de football 2030.
Christophe Lecourtier, French ambassador to Morocco
This translates to:
The ambassador’s statement highlights the project’s role as an economic catalyst, notably with the upcoming 2030 Football World Cup.
Financial Cooperation and Future Prospects
The financial commitment underscores the declaration regarding financial cooperation in the railway sector, signed on October 28, 2024, in the presence of the Heads of State during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco. This agreement solidifies the commitment to enhancing Morocco’s railway infrastructure and fostering economic growth.
Key Benefits of the High-Speed Rail Project:
- Enhanced passenger capacity with trains accommodating up to 640 travelers.
- Reduced travel times between major cities.
- Lower carbon emissions, supporting Morocco’s sustainability goals.
- Stimulation of the local economy through job creation and technology transfer.
The high-speed rail project represents a significant investment in Morocco’s future,promising to improve connectivity,promote sustainable development,and strengthen the economic ties between Morocco and France.
Morocco’s high-Speed Rail Expansion: Q&A on Franco-Moroccan Cooperation
This article addresses key questions about Morocco’s high-speed rail expansion project,a significant collaboration with France,designed to modernize teh country’s infrastructure and boost its economy.
Key Questions About Morocco’s High-Speed Rail Project
What is the primary goal of Morocco’s high-speed rail project?
The primary goal is to enhance Morocco’s railway infrastructure, promoting enduring mobility, economic advancement, and better connectivity between key cities. The project is also designed to support Morocco’s planning for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
How will France contribute to Morocco’s high-speed rail project?
France is a key partner, providing ample financial support and technological expertise. This includes a recent €780 million loan for the purchase of 18 high-speed Alstom trains. French companies, like Alstom, are central to supplying the trains and fostering local production of railway components.(Source: [3])
When is the loan expected for Morocco’s high-speed rail project?
France granted a €780 million loan to Morocco on March 7, 2025, to facilitate the purchase of 18 high-speed Alstom trains.
What type of high-speed trains will be used, and what are their capabilities?
The project will utilize Avelia Horizon double-decker trains supplied by Alstom. These trains can accommodate up to 640 passengers and reach speeds of up to 320 km/h (approximately 199 mph).
What are the environmental benefits of Morocco’s high-speed rail project?
The introduction of high-speed trains supports Morocco’s commitment to sustainable mobility by significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with travel. this contributes to the nation’s broader environmental objectives.
How does the high-speed rail project benefit the local Moroccan economy?
While the trains are manufactured in France, the Alstom factory in Fès will produce electrical cabinets and cable bundles, fostering local expertise and contributing to the growth of the Moroccan railway sector.
What cities will the extended high-speed rail line connect?
The enterprising plan involves extending the country’s high-speed rail network from Kenitra to Marrakech. The existing line connects Tangier and Kenitra.
How many passengers used the Tangier-Kenitra high-speed line in 2024?
The high-speed line between Tangier and Kenitra transported nearly 5 million passengers in 2024.
where are track devices being supplied from and for what route?
Vossloh, in collaboration with ONCF, is supplying track devices for the high-speed rail line between Kenitra and Marrakech.
Understanding the Franco-Moroccan Partnership
Why is the high-speed rail project considered a testament to Franco-Moroccan cooperation?
Christophe Lecourtier, French ambassador to Morocco, emphasized that the extraordinary financial undertaking underscores the strong franco-Moroccan partnership in railway matters. This collaboration builds upon the success of the existing high-speed line between Tangier and Kenitra.
When was the financial cooperation agreement signed between France and Morocco?
The declaration regarding financial cooperation in the railway sector was signed on October 28, 2024, during President emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco.
Expected Impact and Benefits
What are the key benefits of the high-speed rail project?
Enhanced passenger capacity with trains accommodating up to 640 travelers.
Reduced travel times between major cities.
Lower carbon emissions, supporting Morocco’s sustainability goals.
Stimulation of the local economy through job creation and technology transfer.
* How will the high-speed rail project support the 2030 Football World Cup?
The project is viewed as an economic catalyst, crucial for improving infrastructure and connectivity in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, wich Morocco will co-host. By improving transportation efficiency, it will facilitate easier travel for fans and teams alike.
Project Summary
| Feature | Details |
| ——————— | ————————————————————————————————— |
| Project Goal | Enhance railway infrastructure,promote sustainable mobility,and boost economic growth. |
| French Contribution | Financial support (€780 million loan), technological expertise, and supply of high-speed trains. |
| Train Model | Avelia Horizon (Alstom), double-decker, 640 passengers, up to 320 km/h. |
| Local Production | Alstom factory in Fès produces electrical cabinets and cable bundles. |
| Key Benefits | Increased capacity, reduced travel times, lower emissions, and economic stimulation. |
| World Cup 2030 | The project is an economic accelerator for the Kingdom, which is also part of the perspective of the 2030 Football World Cup. |