Morocco Launches $1.6 Billion Rail Tender, Global Giants Compete for High-Speed Train Contract

Hyundai Rotem (South Korea), Alstom (France), CRRC (China) and the Spanish companies Talgo and CAF have expressed interest in this ONCF tender worth $1.6 billion (about 16 billion Moroccan dirhams), informs Railway Supply, the magazine specialized in the railway sector, specifying that the winner of this contract will have to supply 18 high-speed trains to strengthen the connection between major cities, 40 trains to cover regional lines, 60 trains for shuttle lines, and 50 trains for the rapid regional transport network.

This project aims to develop the rail network in Morocco and modernize the train fleet in order to improve the quality of transport services, in particular by reducing travel times and strengthening the connection between cities before the 2030 World Cup that Morocco will jointly organize with Spain and Portugal. It is in line with the kingdom’s overall vision for infrastructure development, adds the same source, stressing that the group that wins this contract will have to deliver these locally manufactured trains between 2027 and 2030.

Alstom seems to have a head start over its competitors. The French giant, established in Fez for a few years, has recently announced the creation of a new factory in Tangier. An investment that will generate jobs and boost the local economy. Moreover, the warming of relations between Paris and Rabat could work in its favor. But, reassures the economic analyst Ali Al Ghanbouri, cited by Al3omk, all candidates for this public contract will be subject to the same conditions and criteria, in accordance with the law that guarantees transparency and fairness in the selection process of offers, ensuring that there will be no favoritism.