Rabat – Morocco announced the issuance of a tender for the construction of a 375-kilometer high-speed railway connecting Kenitra to Marrakech.
According to reports from Arabian Gulf Business, the Moroccan national rail operator is inviting bids for the construction of seven sections comprising the high-speed railway line.
Each section will cover distances ranging from 36 to 64 kilometers, with the entire project aimed at revolutionizing travel between the two cities.
Leading the consultancy efforts for the venture is the renowned French engineering firm Egis.
Egis is tasked with the construction aspect but also the design, establishment of stations, installation of signaling systems, and the creation of an equipment maintenance center in Marrakech.
The project is part of the ONCF’s colossal $37 billion plan designed to interconnect Morocco’s cities, ports, and airports through high-speed rail links operating at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour.
The overarching goal is to provide 80% of Morocco’s population with access to railway transportation by 2040, a substantial increase from the current 50%.
Interested companies have until June 23 to submit their bids for the project.
The news comes after Morocco completed the $2.1 billion high-speed railway project linking Tangier to Casablanca.
The country has further plans to expand the railway network to connect 43 cities and towns by 2040, including 1,300 kilometers of high-speed rail and an additional 3,800 kilometers of conventional track.
In November 2023, Morocco’s National Office of Railways pledged to invest MAD 16 billion ($1.56 billion) for the acquisition of 168 trains, including 150 for urban transport services, covering high-speed commuter trains and intercity trains.
Since winning the bid to host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, Morocco launched a series of infrastructure projects aiming to accommodate the potential rise in the influx of tourists.
Read Also: Morocco’s ONCF Pledges to Invest $1.5 Billion on Acquisition of 168 Trains
