Alstom Transport, the French engineering company, has won a 120 million euro contract to build a tramway network in Casablanca, Morocco's business capital.

According to the contract, which could reach a value of 190 million euro over 15 years including options and maintenance, Alstom Transport will provide 74 Citadis trams to Casa Transports, the local public transport operator.

The French company will also supply the vehicles coupled in double units of 65 meters total, the deal includes as well options for the supply of additional trainsets.

This project will be emblematic in the city of Casablanca because it will be the link between the most central places and will serve mainly universities, Hospitals, train stations and downtown Casablanca.

Constructions concern about 30% of the 30-km line. The first line will be complete by Fall 2010. The line is expected to transport about 250,000 passengers per day. However,the trams are slated to enter service in December 2012.

Alstom Transport is currently providing a number of solutions to Morocco. The French company has already supplied 27 electric locomotives to the ONCF (the Moroccan state-owned railway operator) since 1992. Alstom is also building 22 double units trainsets for the Rabat tramway and is involved in a project to build a very high speed link between Tangiers and Kenitra, More than half of the electricity consumed in Morocco is produced with equipment supplied by Alstom.

Alstom Transport recorded a turnover of 5.7 billion euro in 2008-2009, and its orders increased by 9% over the previous financial year. The company is present in over 60 countries and has 27,000 employees.