LGV Kénitra-Marrakech: ONCF Launches Six Maintenance Sites
ONCF Moves Forward with High-Speed Rail Expansion to Marrakech
The National Office of Railways (ONCF) is taking a significant step forward in the deployment of its high-speed rail extension to Marrakech. The office has initiated a consultation process regarding the construction of the Nouaceur Technical Center and five maintenance stations, with a deadline of November 5, 2026, for the submission of bids.
The contract is divided into six distinct lots, covering the Nouaceur Technical Center and the maintenance stations located in Meknès, Skhirat, Casa Voyageurs Terre, Casa Sud, and Benguerir. Each structure will require a separate financial proposal.
Nouaceur Technical Center: A 31,370 m² Facility
The Nouaceur project is one of the key maintenance facilities planned for this new phase of the railway program. The French architectural agency LA/BA estimates its area to be 31,370 square meters with a planned delivery date in 2029.
The design of the technical center is being undertaken by a consortium that includes the firm Archgues, which is the lead contractor, LA/BA, and the engineering group Setec.
According to LA/BA, the new site is expected to be operational from the onset of deliveries of new train sets. It aims to ensure the routine maintenance of equipment designated for future high-speed routes as well as local rail services.
This infrastructure is therefore directly aligned with the anticipated increase in ONCF’s rolling stock and the expansion of new services across the Moroccan rail network.
A Railway Program Valued at 96 Billion Dirhams
The construction of these facilities is part of a comprehensive railway program estimated by ONCF to be worth 96 billion dirhams by 2030.
Within this budget, the infrastructure and equipment related to the high-speed rail extension to Marrakech account for 53 billion dirhams. The program also encompasses the acquisition of new trains and enhancements to the existing railway network.
In February 2025, ONCF announced a vast acquisition program involving 168 trains of various categories, with a total investment of 29 billion dirhams. The new technical centers and maintenance stations are essential to support this fleet expansion.
Alstom to Supply 18 High-Speed Trains
The high-speed extension to Marrakech is also reliant on acquiring new rolling stock. In March 2025, Alstom signed a contract with ONCF worth 781 million euros, approximately 8.45 billion dirhams, financed by the French Treasury.
The French manufacturer will provide 18 Avelia Horizon double-decker high-speed trains for the new routes to Marrakech.
Alstom emphasizes a design that features a reduced number of bogies, which are mechanical components crucial for the operations and maintenance costs of trains.
Thus, the future Nouaceur Technical Center is set to become one of the necessary technical supports for the operation of these new materials.
Hyundai Rotem in Charge of Maintenance for Double-Decker Cars
Maintenance will also cover the upcoming commuter trains. In June 2026, South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem signed a contract with ONCF valued at 748.2 billion won for the maintenance of 440 double-decker electric cars over a twenty-year period.
The agreement includes the creation of a joint venture with ONCF. Hyundai Rotem is responsible for supplying spare parts and providing its expertise for heavy repair operations.
These cars were part of a manufacturing contract won by the South Korean company in 2025.
Simultaneously, the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) entered into a separate contract in June 2026 worth around 9 billion won for a duration of 38 months. Their teams will assist in the design, manufacturing, testing, and acceptance of the 440 cars.
Their operational introduction is slated for 2029, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Korail is also expected to advise ONCF on maintenance organization and participate in staff training.
Six Sites to Support Network Expansion
The consultation launched by ONCF involves six facilities located in Nouaceur, Meknès, Skhirat, Casablanca, and Benguerir. It represents one of the real estate components of the extensive program for the extension and modernization of the Moroccan railway network.
At the project’s launch in April 2025, ONCF mentioned plans for the construction of nine maintenance centers and technical centers for rail equipment.
The new consultation covers six buildings and is part of a railway extension of approximately 430 kilometers, designed for operational speeds reaching up to 320 km/h.
With the Nouaceur Technical Center and various maintenance stations, ONCF is preparing the necessary infrastructure for the gradual arrival of new equipment and the expansion of high-speed and local rail services.
