Transformative ERTMS Level 2 Roll-Out Led by CSEE Consortium on Morocco’s Kenitra–Marrakech High‑Speed Line
Morocco is poised to enter a new era of railway modernisation as a consortium headed by Compagnie des Signaux et d’Équipements (CSEE) has been awarded the contract to deploy ERTMS Level 2 on the upcoming Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail corridor. The project will bring state‑of‑the‑art European signalling to a major national infrastructure investment, enhancing reliability, safety and travel quality.
CSEE, a global leader in high-speed railway signalling with more than a century of experience, will lead a consortium including local and international technology partners SITE and GCF. Together, they will supply the signalling and telecommunications equipment required for ERTMS Level 2 deployment along the estimated 430 km of track stretching from Kenitra through Rabat and Casablanca to Marrakech.
CSEE previously delivered ERTMS signalling systems for Morocco’s existing Tangier–Kenitra high‑speed section (183 km), in partnership with Equans (formerly Inéo Rail). That deployment included backbone command control, Eurobalises, track circuits and onboard integration.
ERTMS Level 2 introduces continuous radio-based communication between trains and the Radio Block Centre via GSM‑R, enabling real‑time transmission of movement authority and speed data. Eurobalises act primarily as position references, allowing trains to operate at higher speeds with greater safety margins.
For passengers and operators alike, this system means smoother journeys, enhanced punctuality and reduced risk. It permits safe operation at design speeds up to 320 km/h, unlocking the full potential of high‑speed services across Morocco.
The signalling upgrade forms part of a broader MAD 96 billion (~US $10 billion) railway development programme approved in April 2025 by King Mohammed VI. A core element is the 430 km Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed line, with roughly MAD 53 billion allocated to civil works and infrastructure, excluding rolling stock.
The rail expansion supports Morocco’s ambitions ahead of co‑hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Completion is targeted for late 2029, in time to begin testing, full operations expected by early 2030.
The investment also includes acquisition of 168 new trains—18 high‑speed units by Alstom, plus intercity and suburban trains supplied by CAF and Hyundai Rotem—to renew the national fleet and enhance metropolitan transit networks in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech.
The ERTMS Level 2 deployment will feature a Radio Block Centre (RBC), onboard units, Eurobalises, trackside detection circuits and interlockings fully integrated into Morocco’s rail operations. Passive position beacons and continuous GSM‑R communications ensure seamless train control.
CSEE’s strong track record with high-speed signalling systems—including TVM and ERTMS across Europe, Korea and China—brings both deep technical know‑how and interoperability assurance.
In summary, the deployment of ERTMS Level 2 signalling on Morocco’s Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed line—led by a CSEE‑driven consortium—represents a landmark technological leap for the country’s rail infrastructure. With modern signalling, electrified tracks and high-capacity rolling stock, Morocco is set to deliver faster, safer, greener journeys across major city corridors. The project not only advances transportation efficiency but also drives economic growth, industrial development, and tourism expansion, paving the way to Morocco playing a leading role in Africa’s rail network transformation. Fully in line with national sustainability objectives and the Rail Morocco 2040 strategy, this strategic investment underscores a bold vision: modern rail for a modern Morocco.
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