Morocco invests $2.9b in 168 trains for FIFA World Cup expansion

Morocco announced on Wednesday it would buy up to 168 trains from Spain's CAF, South Korea's Hyundai and France's Alstom for $2...

Morocco announced on Wednesday it would buy up to 168 trains from Spain's CAF, South Korea's Hyundai and France's Alstom for $2.9 billion as part of preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup it is co-hosting with Spain and Portugal.

The National Railway Office (ONCF) said in a statement that it had awarded the contracts for the "new train acquisition programme, with a total cost of 29 billion dirhams, as part of the development plan for 2030".

They include 18 high-speed trains from Alstom, sealing a deal first mentioned during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Rabat in October.

Morocco already has one 350-kilometre (220-mile) high-speed railway line between the coastal cities of Tangier and Casablanca, and is planning a second that will extend 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Kenitra on the coast to Marrakesh in the interior.

The first line, built by Alstom, has been in operation since 2018.

The contract with Spain's CAF is for 30 intercity trains with an option for a further 10, while the deal with Hyundai Rotem is for 110 commuter trains.

The ONCF said the purchases aimed to contribute to "the successful joint organisation of the 2030 FIFA World Cup".

It said it also aimed to develop the domestic railway industry, with a local factory for commuter trains and "the ambition to export trains in the medium and long term".