Morocco purchases 18 TGV trains from France for 781 million euros

The modernization of the Moroccan rail network is accelerating with the record order of 18 additional high-speed trains from Alstom.

Major international events serve as accelerators of modernity. This is indeed one of the significant virtues of organizing a World Cup or the Olympic Games. Certainly, it is costly, but these are investments for the future. Not merely a losing whim.

The Moroccan example illustrates this once again. In view of hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, in conjunction with Spain and Portugal, the Moroccan Kingdom is developing at full speed. Besides the millions of tourists that will need to be transported within the country during this month-long event, it’s also about conveying a message of modernity. A valuable message that will shape the perceived image, and thus foreign investments, for decades to come.

A vast country often burdened by extremely high temperatures, Morocco aims to encourage train travel to shorten distances. Thus boosting its economy. And in this strategy, the French TGV plays a crucial role.

Morocco, a partner of France

In early March 2025, Morocco placed an order for 168 new trains from three manufacturers, including Alstom. The high-speed trains will account for 18 units of this total, amounting to 781 million euros out of the 2.8 billion euros for this mega order.

The trains in question will be the brand new two-level TGV M named Avelia Horizon, capable of carrying 640 passengers at 320 km/h. To finance this order, France granted a Treasury loan to Morocco.

This investment will particularly serve to connect the Atlantic coast to Marrakech, approximately 300 km south of Casablanca. For reference, since November 2018, Casablanca and Tangier have benefited from a fast link – passing through the capital Rabat – which has reduced travel time from 4h45 to 2h10.

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