The Moroccan National Office of Railways (ONCF) has awarded the first major civil engineering contract for the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line to China Railway NO.4 Engineering Group Co., a subsidiary of CRRC Corporation Limited.
The contract, valued at 3.4 billion dirhams (about $340 million), represents a significant milestone in Morocco’s ambitious coastal rail expansion plans.
China Railway NO.4 Engineering Group emerged as the top bidder in a competitive selection process, offering the most favorable bid both technically and financially.
Their proposal was notably lower than those of competing bidders, which included China Railway 20TH Bureau Group with a bid of 9 billion dirhams, and the GTR and GRPT SNCE/CAPEP/SEPROB consortiums with offers of 4.2 billion and 4 billion dirhams, respectively.
The contract encompasses a range of civil engineering tasks, including earthworks, construction of engineering structures, communication infrastructure restoration, and fencing. This work marks the beginning of a larger initiative to expand and modernize the 400-kilometer rail line connecting Kenitra and Marrakech.
The project also involves building new stations and integrating the high-speed line with existing rail infrastructure.
The high-speed rail line, set to be completed by the end of 2029, aims to cut travel time between Tangier and Marrakech from over seven hours to just three. This significant reduction is expected to enhance regional connectivity and boost economic activity.
Aligned with Morocco’s New Investment Charter, the project seeks to attract investment through tax incentives, improved safety measures, and streamlined administrative processes. By advancing this high-speed rail initiative, Morocco aims to reinforce its position as a key player in the African rail sector and drive long-term economic growth and technological advancement.
The Kenitra-Marrakech LGV project underscores Morocco’s commitment to modernization, sustainability, and economic development, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
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