Morocco trains delayed: Spanish CAF misses deadlines, Korea silent

Railway modernization plans for the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal, are facing a serious setback. The Basque company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has informed the National Railway Office (ONCF) of delays concerning its deliveries. To overcome this slowdown, the Moroccan operator immediately sought an alternative by approaching Hyundai Rotem. Nevertheless, as highlighted by the newspaper La Razon, this request sent to Seoul has not elicited any response to date, remaining thus "a dead letter".

On Bladi.net : Hyundai Rotem Eyes Morocco’s Ambitious 2040 Rail Expansion, Pledges Long-Term Investment

These disruptions specifically target a contract worth nearly 600 million euros for high-performance intercity trains capable of reaching 200 km/h. The agreement includes the firm sale of 30 units, an option for 10 additional trains, as well as technical assistance and spare parts. To facilitate this acquisition, the Spanish government had moreover validated the granting of a massive credit that could reach 750 million euros.

On Bladi.net : South Korean Hyundai Rotem Joins Bid for $1.6 Billion Moroccan Train Contract

This agreement with CAF is part of a global mega-contract of 1.53 billion euros covering 168 trains. Paradoxically, if Hyundai Rotem ignores the current call for help from the ONCF, the South Korean giant has already won the tender for 110 regional trains, even planning the opening of a factory on site. French group Alstom completes this vast equipment program with the award of 18 high-speed trains.