The Italian company SITE has secured a major contract to equip the Kenitra-Marrakech stretch of Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed rail line, marking the largest international deal in the Bologna-based group’s history. Valued at over €140 million, the agreement is a significant milestone for the company and a critical step in the expansion of Morocco’s high-speed rail network.
The deal, signed with Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF), covers the installation of cutting-edge railway technology. SITE will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive telecommunications system for rail operations, next-generation electrical power systems, and advanced cybersecurity infrastructure. These upgrades will comply with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2 standards, particularly in signaling, ensuring the network meets modern European safety and interoperability benchmarks.
The Kenitra to Marrakech segment is a strategic piece in Morocco’s vision for a national high-speed backbone. Once completed, this southern extension will link the country’s key urban and tourist centers to the already functioning northern line between Tangier and Casablanca. It’s a central component of Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Upgrading transport infrastructure, especially rail, has been identified as a top national priority in the run-up to the global event.
The construction work will be carried out by a European consortium led by SITE, which will oversee project coordination. Joining SITE are Compagnie des Signaux, a subsidiary of the French group Mermec, and Generali Costruzioni Ferroviarie, an Italian firm specializing in railway construction. Together, they will be tasked with integrating multiple technical systems while adhering to the strict safety and performance standards required for high-speed rail development.
