Latest news with #ONCF
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Hyundai Rotem Expresses Interest in Contributing to Morocco's Railway Expansion Plan
Rabat – Jeong Hoon Kim, Head of Real Solutions at Hyundai Rotem, commended Morocco's business climate, stating that the country is emerging as a key destination for foreign industrial investment. Hoon Kim made his remarks on the eve of the Throne Day, which marks the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the Throne. Morocco will observe the commemoration on Wednesday, with the monarch expected to deliver his traditional annual address.. Impressed by the development Morocco's sectors have achieved in recent years, Hoon Kim said Hyundai Rotem has been following the Moroccan market for ten years. He affirmed that Morocco showed a remarkable resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that the North African country represents a 'long-term strategic market for Hyundai Rotem.' He also called for the recent signing of a contract with Morocco's National Railway Office (ONCF). In February, the company celebrated a remarkable and historic deal to supply double-decker trains to Morocco. The contract was signed between ONCF and Hyundai Rotem for $1.5 million, which will be invested in designing new trains that reach speeds of 160 kilometers per hour. The trains aim to connect Casablanca to key regions across Morocco. Hoon Kim conveyed the group's desire to be part of a lasting cooperation with Morocco, expressing interest in the country's Rail Plan 2040– which he described as an 'ambitious roadmap.' The plan aims to expand Morocco's rail network, and Hyundai Rotem is ready to actively contribute to the program's implementation, he said. Key factors attracting foreign investors are the country's political and economic stability, he stated, citing the presence of Korean companies like Hands Corporation, which set up a car parts production unit in Morocco exclusively for the EU market. 'This is a model of win-win cooperation that we wish to replicate,' he concluded. Tags: HyundaiHyundai Rotem
Morocco World
24-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ONCF Launches Special Summer Transport Plan to Serve Millions of Travelers
Marrakech – The National Railway Office (ONCF) has implemented a special 'Summer 2025' plan to accommodate the increased passenger traffic expected during the summer season. The comprehensive program, running from June 23 to September 14, aims to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and accessible travel experience for domestic travelers, Moroccan residents abroad (MRE), and tourists across the national rail network. To meet the growing mobility demands during summer, ONCF will operate up to 237 trains daily. The Al Boraq high-speed network will maintain hourly service between Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with increased capacity during peak times. The Al Atlas network will provide up to 70 intercity trains daily, including night services for long-distance travel on the Tangier-Oujda route. Night trains equipped with hotel-style compartments will ensure optimal comfort for overnight journeys. Regional connections will see increased service to Mohammed V Airport with 38 daily trains from Casablanca, running hourly from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Casablanca-Rabat-Kenitra, Casablanca-Settat, and Casablanca-El Jadida routes will also benefit from reinforced service, with the El Jadida line reaching up to 24 trains per day. ONCF is introducing several attractive summer offers to make train travel more accessible. The Yalla Morocco card, available until August 31 for MAD 50 ($5), offers a 30% discount on 10 journeys to any destination and train category. Returning Moroccan expatriates can take advantage of the Ahlan rate, providing a 15% discount on one-way train tickets departing from Mohammed V Airport, Tangier, and Marrakech stations between June 23 and September 15. For commuters, any three-month Navette subscription purchase includes three free round-trip tickets usable on Al Boraq, Al Atlas, or TNR trains. Train passengers can also enjoy discounts of up to 40% from partners, including the Rabat Zoo, the National Museum Foundation, and the Train + Auto service, upon presenting their train tickets. ONCF continues to modernize its services with the 'ONCF VOYAGES' mobile application, allowing users to purchase tickets online, choose seats, and access a personalized space. A 5% discount is offered for all purchases made through this application. Throughout the summer, ONCF staff will be fully mobilized to assist travelers both at stations and onboard trains. Technical teams will be on alert 24/7 to ensure smooth traffic flow and respond efficiently to user needs. The company says travelers can purchase tickets through multiple channels, including station ticket windows, automated ticket machines, the ONCF website, and through retail partners. Railway sector growth and future plans This summer plan comes as ONCF expects a record-breaking 2025, with revenue projected to exceed MAD 5 billion ($500 million), a 6% increase from 2024. Last year closed with exceptional growth, carrying more than 55 million passengers, a 4% increase from the previous year. The high-speed Al Boraq service demonstrated continued appeal with more than 5.5 million passengers transported in 2024, representing a 5% growth compared to 2023. Freight activity also performed exceptionally well despite international economic disruptions, with 20 million tons of goods transported, a 17% increase from 2023. In a historic development, King Mohammed VI launched construction work on the Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line on April 24. The 430-kilometer project will drastically reduce travel times, allowing journeys from Tangier to Marrakech in just 2 hours 40 minutes, saving over two hours compared to current durations. Looking ahead, ONCF has awarded three contracts worth MAD 29 billion ($2.9 billion) for the acquisition of 168 new-generation trains. These contracts have been distributed to international companies: Alstom for 18 high-speed trains, CAF for 40 intercity trains, and Hyundai Rotem for 110 RER (rapid transit) trains. This ambitious program aims to modernize ONCF's fleet, support projected growth in rail traffic, and advance development projects planned for 2030. These projects also include developing RER networks in major regions of the country, partly in preparation for the 2030 World Cup that Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Tags: Morocco's National Railway Office (ONCF)ONCF
Morocco World
10-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
World Bank Backs $350 Million Project to Transform Casablanca's Rail, Logistics Network
Rabat – The World Bank recently committed $350 million to finance a major overhaul of Greater Casablanca's transport and logistics system. The financing aims to enhance commuter rail operations and enhance the strength of Morocco's national railway company, the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), preparing it for long-term expansion. Morocco's urban population now reaches 60% and is expected to climb to 70% by 2050. Casablanca-Settat, the country's economic powerhouse, sits at the center of this urban boom. Cities already drive much of Morocco's economy and job creation, but residents face serious challenges like limited transport options in suburban neighborhoods, worsening traffic congestion, and pollution. Addressing these problems is vital for the future livability and economic potential of Moroccan cities. To meet this challenge, the Moroccan government has invested heavily in rail and public transit. The World Bank-sponsored new program, Service Intra-métropolitain Rapproché (SIR), aims to upgrade train station amenities and boost the number of passenger trains operating. This reduces journey times between main points to 45 minutes or less, providing greater access to employment opportunities and basic services for more people. The $350 million will be used to extend an electrified commuter rail network between central Casablanca and expanding suburbs such as Zenata, Mohammedia, Nouaceur, and Bouskoura. The project includes the renovation of 73-kilometer stretches of existing railway lines, electric infrastructure, and signaling equipment that would be resilient against the impacts of climate. It will alleviate congestion on existing lines and increase freight transportation capacity to Casablanca's port, an important commercial center. The project also aims to develop or upgrade 15 multimodal rail stations, with accessible design and development practices that promote transit riding. It aims to increase logistics activities, particularly in the Ain Sebaa industrial district, and enhance access to a new logistics park in Zenata. Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, the World Bank's Maghreb and Malta Division Director, said the financing will enhance ONCF's management and operational abilities, helping the operator evolve into a publicly listed company focused on customer service. He described the project as a key step toward sustainable urban development and improved daily life for Casablanca residents. By mid-2031, the program expects to improve transport access for more than half a million people. It will raise the number of jobs reachable by rail within 45 minutes by seven percent and improve access to essential services by a similar margin. This investment marks a turning point in Casablanca's transport system, aiming to connect growing suburbs efficiently while reducing environmental impact and supporting economic growth across the region. Tags: morocco railwaysMorocco transportworld bankworld bank morocco
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Italy's SITE wins €140mln contracts for Morocco's high-speed rail expansion
Italian engineering company SITE announced on Monday that it has secured two contracts valued at over €140 million from Morocco's national railway operator, Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) for the new high-speed rail line linking Kénitra to Marrakech. SITE has been appointed as the system integrator for the 400-kilometre rail corridor's telecommunications, power supply, and cybersecurity systems, the company said in a press statement. The project is split into two main technology packages: GSM-R mobile telecommunications and rail signaling systems. The signaling package has been awarded to a consortium led by Compagnie des Signaux, and comprising SITE and GCF. As part of its scope, SITE will oversee: • Design and implementation of the GSM-R telecommunications system; • A high-capacity DWDM data transmission network; • Cybersecurity architecture for all systems; • Power systems design and commissioning, along with civil works. SITE said these will be integrated and fully interoperable with the ERTMS Level 2 signaling standard, supporting train speeds of up to 320 km/h. SITE's cybersecurity solutions will span all critical systems, reflecting the company's strategic focus on safeguarding vital infrastructure. The Kénitra–Marrakech line is part of Morocco's national rail development strategy, which aims to: • Build 1,300 km of high-speed rail and 3,800 km of medium-speed lines; • Expand service coverage to 43 cities from the current 23; • Extend rail access to 87 percentt of the population. The new high-speed line will connect strategic intermodal and airport hubs, including Casablanca and Marrakech, as well as stadiums such as Moulay Abdellah and Hassan II, and contribute to the country's infrastructure readiness for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Morocco World
02-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
CGEM Urges Morocco's Private Sector to Grant June 9 Holiday for Eid Al Adha
Rabat – Chakib Alj, the President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), has urged the private sector companies to grant employees a day off on Monday, June 9, aligning with the public sector, in celebration of Eid Al-Adha, which will take place on Saturday, June 7 in Morocco. Last week, the government decided to exceptionally suspend work in state administrations and local authorities on Monday, June 9. CGEM called on companies to follow suit, noting: 'We invite, as far as possible, private sector companies to also grant Monday, June 9, as a day off to their employees,' Alj said. Eid Al Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The Islamic month marks Eid Al Adha or the sacrifice feast, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command. Dhu Al Hijjah also marks the Hajj pilgrimage, which will commence on June 4. While the feast is a sacred and special time in Morocco, Moroccans will celebrate it differently this time. In February, Morocco announced its decision to cancel the Eid Al Adha sacrifice ritual due to drought and a notable decrease in the country's livestock population due to dry seasons that affected Morocco's agriculture sector for six years in a row. This is not the first time Morocco has canceled the Eid Al Adha sacrifice ritual. The first time dates back to 1963 when the late King Hassan II announced the cancellation of the sacrifice ritual during the Sand War between Morocco and Algeria, as it affected the two countries' economies. The second time was in 1981, and the cancellation was due to drought, as well as in 1996. Last week, ONCF announced that it has expanded the train schedule ahead of Eid Al Adha from May 30 to June 15 to help travelers move easily and safely during the holiday. The program includes up to 237 trains per day across the national network. ONCF also pledged to add extra trains on the main routes to help passengers during busy times. Tags: Eid Al Adhaeid al adha 2025
