Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) has awarded $964 million in civil works contracts for the construction of the 375km Kénitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line. The project, aimed at expanding Morocco’s high-speed rail network, aligns with the country’s preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Chinese and Moroccan companies secured the contracts following tenders issued earlier this year. China Railway Number 4 Engineering Group (CREC 4) will handle the 63km Phase 1 segment between Sidi Ishou and Rabat under a Dirhams 3.4 billion ($348.9 million) agreement. Shandong Hi-Speed Group of China won the Dirhams 4 billion contract for the 64km Phase 2 section from Rabat Agdal to Zenata. Meanwhile, Moroccan firm Travaux Généraux de Construction de Casablanca (TGCC) was awarded a Dirhams 2.8 billion contract to construct the 51km Phase 4 segment from Berrechid to Settat.
Additionally, ONCF has issued a $62 million tender for the supply of rails for the new line. According to Spanish media, the tender calls for 60 E1 profile rails of grade R 260 Mn, with the winning bidder responsible for delivering the rails to Casablanca port. ONCF will oversee their transport to construction sites at Kénitra and Benguerir.
The high-speed rail line is part of Morocco’s broader efforts to enhance its transportation infrastructure and connectivity, reflecting its ambitions as a regional economic hub and its readiness to host global events like the World Cup.
