French-Moroccan consortium to manage Morocco’s high-speed rail expansion
A French-Moroccan consortium comprising Aegis (main contractor), Systra, and Novick has secured a contract to provide project management assistance to Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF) for the high-speed rail infrastructure between Kenitra and Marrakech. The consortium will support ONCF in constructing 430 kilometers of new high-speed lines, quadruple 130 kilometers of conventional lines around Casablanca, and construct new stations.
«As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, it is accelerating the implementation of its high-speed rail network in Marrakech and launching an unprecedented seven-year investment program to modernize its conventional rail network,» the consortium announced.
Aligned with Morocco’s Railway Plan 2040, the Aegis consortium will extend the existing high-speed line from Tangier to Kenitra southward to Marrakech, connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech via high-speed train (TGV). This new 430-kilometer high-speed line will enable trains to reach speeds of 320 kilometers per hour, positioning Morocco’s rail network among the world’s most modern and efficient. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2029, ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
The consortium will provide comprehensive project management and master planning, ensuring technical consistency and optimization throughout the project. Leveraging its expertise in managing large-scale railway projects, the consortium will support ONCF in various contract phases, including testing and civil engineering approvals.
Beyond boosting transit, the project will support Morocco’s efforts to decarbonize and enhance access to public transportation.
Morocco is leveraging the 2030 sporting event to promote private-sector investment. The government is actively offering companies incentives to invest in infrastructure and tourism among other sectors. The prestigious event is expected to inject $1.2 billion into the kingdom’s economy, according to research firm Valoris Security.
Aegis, Systra, and Novick have collaborated on the initial Kenitra-Tangier electric train project.
