In a landmark development for the infrastructure of Morocco, the Kingdom continues its ambitious expansion of the national rail network, operated by the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF). A strategic financial partnership between Morocco and Spain has facilitated the acquisition of state-of-the-art intercity trains, marking a significant leap forward in passenger safety and operational efficiency within the North African nation.
Advanced Safety Technology for Moroccan Railways
The core of this procurement project involves the integration of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), specifically the ETCS N2 signaling and protection technology. This sophisticated system allows for real-time monitoring of rail traffic, ensuring that train speeds and movement authorizations are strictly controlled. Unlike older legacy systems, the ETCS N2 utilizes GSM-R radio communications to maintain constant contact between the train and the control center, providing a robust layer of safety that is essential for Morocco’s rapidly modernizing rail infrastructure.
These new units, manufactured by the Spanish firm Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), are specifically engineered to withstand Morocco’s unique geographical challenges. The technical specifications highlight that the trains are built to operate flawlessly in temperatures reaching up to 55 degrees Celsius, while also featuring advanced protection against desert dust. Furthermore, the trains include real-time fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance technologies, ensuring high reliability across the Moroccan rail network.
Infrastructure Growth and Strategic Partnership
The project was bolstered by a €754.3 million credit facility approved by the Spanish government in early 2025, destined for the ONCF. Shortly thereafter, CAF was awarded a €600 million contract to supply an initial fleet of 30 modern intercity trains, with an option to expand the order by an additional 10 units. These trains are designed to operate at speeds of 200 km/h, offering over 500 seats per unit and providing a high-capacity solution for Morocco's growing transit demands.
Beyond the safety systems, the onboard experience reflects a commitment to modern passenger comfort. The new fleet features remote climate pre-conditioning, polarized glass for heat filtration, regenerative braking systems to optimize energy consumption, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. By investing in these cutting-edge technologies, Morocco is positioning its national rail network as a leader in regional logistics and sustainable transportation, further strengthening the country’s connectivity and economic development.
As reported by eldebate.com.
