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Rabat – Hyundai Rotem has closed a historic deal with Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF) to supply double-decker trains, the largest ever to be signed by the company.
The contract worth MAD 15 billion ($1.5 billion) will add further prominence to South Korea’s presence in the global railway sector.
The agreement, announced on Wednesday, makes way for further modernization of Morocco’s rail network.
The new trains, designed to reach speeds of 160 km/h, will connect Casablanca to key regions across the country.
This project comes at an opportune time as Morocco is co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, which has encouraged additional investment in infrastructure.
Hyundai Rotem noted the importance of technology transfer in its collaboration with ONCF.
Part of the train production will take place in Morocco, supporting local industry and workforce development.
Besides manufacturing, Hyundai Rotem and the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) will each independently negotiate maintenance and servicing contracts to guarantee the efficiency of the trains in the long run.
The agreement marks Hyundai Rotem’s first major deal in Morocco, following tough competition from European firms.
Morocco has been stepping up the drive to modernize the country’s railroad network, both to facilitate increased daily commuting and serve the broader development of the nation.
As the 2030 FIFA World Cup approaches, having a reliable public transport system becomes a matter of pressing necessity.
The development of a more substantial rail infrastructure will allow Morocco to control an influx of tourists, permitting smoother journeys as well as increasing its status as a regional transportation hub.
Major investments ahead
Morocco has placed its railway network at the heart of its infrastructure strategy, with ONCF driving extensive modernization efforts.
The state rail operator has been investing in refurbishing existing lines, procuring new trains, and generally improving service overall.
In January, ONCF outlined ambitious plans for 2025, foreseeing a record 57 million passengers and turnover of more than $500 million (MAD 5 billion).
For instance, the success of Morocco’s high-speed rail, Al Boraq, is a testament to the country’s ambitions in railway transport, and other developments are underway to improve intercity connectivity.
The partnership with Hyundai Rotem aligns with these plans, allowing Morocco to integrate cutting-edge technology into its growing railway sector.
For a flawless 2030 FIFA World Cup
As Morocco prepares to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the country is leaving no stone unturned in overhauling the transport infrastructure among other sectors to ensure that it is up to par with the global tournament’s standards.
Among the key projects are the extension of the high-speed rail link to Marrakech, the launch of regional express rail services, the acquisition of new trains, and the construction of new stations.
The introduction of these new double-decker trains mega deals represents a step toward gearing up Morocco’s transport system, ensuring smooth mobility for both residents and international guests.
Morocco is also prioritizing digital transformation. Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, has announced plans to roll out 5G internet service, looking to cover 25% of the population by 2026 and expand to 70% by 2030.
