California High-Speed Rail Project Loses SNCF to Morocco Amid Political Challenges

The case revealed by the New York Times dates back to 2011. The French company worked in California to build a high-speed rail line between Los Angeles and San Francisco, but encountered difficulties due to delays and disputes over the rail route, the newspaper reports.

The SNCF warned the state authorities that the modifications were too ambitious and advised them to focus on building a direct road between San Francisco and Los Angeles. However, the state ignored the concerns of the French company, explains the same source.

As a result, the latter decided to fall back on Morocco to realize a similar project. "They told the state they were leaving for North Africa, which was less politically dysfunctional," said Dan McNamara, SNCF project manager. "They went to Morocco and helped them build a rail system," he added.