LGV Kénitra-Marrakech: ONCF Launches Six Maintenance Sites
The National Office of Railways (ONCF) has taken a significant step forward in the deployment of the high-speed rail extension to Marrakech. The office has launched a consultation regarding the construction of the Nouaceur Technicenter and five maintenance stations, with a deadline set for November 5, 2026 for the submission of bids.
The contract is divided into six distinct lots. It concerns the Nouaceur Technicenter and the maintenance stations in Meknès, Skhirat, Casa Voyageurs Terre, Casa Sud, and Benguerir. Each building will require a separate financial proposal.
A 31,370 m² Technicenter in Nouaceur
The Nouaceur project will serve as one of the main maintenance facilities anticipated in this new phase of the railway program. The French architecture firm LA/BA estimates its area at 31,370 square meters and plans for its completion in 2029.
The design of the technicenter is being handled by a consortium comprising the Archgues firm as the lead, LA/BA, and the engineering group Setec.
According to LA/BA, the new site is expected to be operational by the beginning of the delivery of new train sets. It will facilitate regular maintenance of the equipment intended for future high-speed routes as well as local rail connections.
This infrastructure will directly support the expected increase in the ONCF’s rolling stock and the deployment of new services across the Moroccan network.
A Railway Program Worth 96 Billion Dirhams
The construction of these facilities is part of a comprehensive rail program estimated by ONCF to cost 96 billion dirhams by 2030.
Out of this total, the infrastructure and equipment related to the high-speed rail extension to Marrakech represent 53 billion dirhams. The program also includes the acquisition of new trains and upgrades to the existing rail network.
In February 2025, ONCF announced a vast acquisition program for 168 trains of various categories, at a total cost of 29 billion dirhams. The new technicenters and maintenance stations are expected to support this expansion of the fleet.
Alstom to Supply 18 High-Speed Trains
The extension of the high-speed line to Marrakech relies in part on the acquisition of 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 supply 18 Avelia Horizon two-level high-speed trainsets, intended for the new services to Marrakech.
Alstom emphasizes an architecture featuring a reduced number of bogies, which are crucial mechanical components that significantly influence the operations and maintenance costs of trains.
The future Nouaceur Technicenter is thus expected to serve as one of the technical support points necessary for the operation of these new trainsets.
Hyundai Rotem Responsible for Maintenance of Two-Level Cars
The maintenance aspect also pertains to the future local trains. In June 2026, the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem signed a contract with ONCF valued at 748.2 billion won for the maintenance, over twenty years, of 440 two-level electric cars.
The agreement includes the establishment of a joint venture with ONCF. Hyundai Rotem will provide spare parts and offer its expertise for heavy repair operations.
These cars were part of a manufacturing contract awarded to the South Korean company in 2025.
Concurrently, the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) signed a separate 38-month contract in June 2026 for around 9 billion won. Its teams will assist with the design, manufacturing, testing, and acceptance of the 440 cars.
Their entry into service is planned for 2029, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Korail will also advise ONCF on maintenance organization and contribute to staff training.
Six Sites to Support the Network Extension
The consultation launched by ONCF focuses on six facilities spread across Nouaceur, Meknès, Skhirat, Casablanca, and Benguerir. It represents one of the real estate components of the extensive program aimed at expanding and modernizing the Moroccan railway network.
During the project’s launch in April 2025, ONCF had mentioned the construction of nine maintenance and technicenter facilities for railway equipment.
The new consultation specifically pertains to six buildings and is part of a rail extension of approximately 430 kilometers, designed for operational speeds of up to 320 km/h.
With the Nouaceur Technicenter and the various maintenance stations, ONCF is thus preparing the necessary infrastructure for the gradual arrival of new equipment and the expansion of high-speed and local rail services.
