ONCF: A National Security Framework Enhanced by AI by 2030
The National Office of Railways (ONCF) is taking a significant step forward in modernizing its security systems. On Tuesday, September 8, the public establishment launched a tender estimated at 1.08 million dirhams to develop a national framework by 2030 that incorporates video surveillance, artificial intelligence, and unified supervision across its entire railway network.
A Contract Dedicated to the Design of the Future System
This tender focuses on a mission to assist in project management. At this stage, it does not involve acquiring cameras, servers, or video analysis software. The primary goal is to define the architecture of the future system, identify needs, and determine the technical directions that will enable ONCF to gradually deploy a national security solution.
This initial step will serve as a foundation for future tenders concerning video surveillance equipment, data storage and processing capabilities, transmission systems, and supervision centers. As of now, ONCF has not announced a total budget allocated for this equipment.
A System Set to Accompany Network Expansion
This initiative comes as the Moroccan railway sector enters an important expansion phase. ONCF plans an investment program amounting to 96 billion dirhams by 2030, with 53 billion earmarked for the infrastructure and equipment of the new high-speed line connecting Kénitra and Marrakech, which spans 430 kilometers.
The Office also allocates 29 billion dirhams for renewing and strengthening its rolling stock, along with 14 billion for modernizing the existing network. For the year 2026 alone, planned investments are expected to reach approximately 23 billion dirhams.
168 New Trains in the Plans
The renewal of rolling stock represents a crucial component of this strategy. The 29 billion dirhams allocated will notably finance the acquisition of 18 high-speed trains from the French group Alstom, 40 intercity trains from the Spanish manufacturer CAF, and 110 regional trains from South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem.
These contracts also include commitments for industrial engagement in Morocco, such as establishing a factory for regional train manufacturing and agreements on the maintenance of the trains over multiple years.
Simultaneously, the network’s expansion will mechanically widen the area that needs securing. In the Casablanca region, works between Mohammedia and Nouaceur will enable the infrastructure to upgrade to six tracks, including two dedicated to high-speed trains and two others for local trains.
Artificial Intelligence Already at the Heart of Considerations
ONCF also plans to construct new stations, nearly 600 kilometers of electrified track, and nine maintenance centers and technical centers as part of its ongoing work program through the end of 2027.
In this context, the integration of artificial intelligence into security systems emerges as a forward-thinking evolution already in the Office’s considerations. In December 2025, ONCF and the International Union of Railways organized the 20th World Congress on Railway Security in Rabat, gathering over 250 representatives from 30 countries.
Discussions focused on digitization, artificial intelligence, and integrated surveillance systems within the rail sector.
A National Framework Before Future Investments
The forthcoming security framework aimed for 2030 is intended to help ONCF structure all these technologies as its network expands and modernizes. It will specifically define the categories of equipment and software to be retained, the interconnection modalities of the different devices, and the organization of future supervision centers.
However, the launch of this mission does not yet determine the amount of investments that will be allocated to the equipment. The timeline, volume, and nature of the contracts that may follow will depend on the findings of the framework and the decisions ONCF makes after this design phase.
