Rabat – The construction of Morocco’s high-speed rail line (LGV) between Kenitra and Marrakech has reached another milestone with the awarding of a key civil engineering contract to the Chinese group Gezhouba.
Valued at MAD 2.32 billion ($225 million), the contract involves building viaducts across several rivers, including Ikkem, Cherrat, Nfifikh, Dir, and Maleh (both north and south).
Gezhouba’s bid came in significantly lower than the initial estimate of MAD 2.76 billion ($268 million), beating out competitors like Morocco’s SGTM (MAD 2.62 billion/$ 254 million) and China’s CCECC (MAD 2.51 billion/$ 243 million).
Gezhouba is now the fifth Chinese company awarded a contract for this transformative project.
Other key players include CRCC 20, China Railway No.04 Engineering, Shandong Hi-Speed Engineering-Construction, and Covec, with contract values ranging from MAD 1.3 billion ($126 million) to MAD 4.5 billion ($437 million). Together, they reflect the strong hold Chinese firms have on Morocco’s infrastructure modernization.
Read Also: LGV Rail: Morocco Commits $300 Million to Upgrade Kenitra-Marrakech Line
Moroccan companies are also playing a major role in the LGV’s development. Contracts have been awarded to firms such as TGCC (MAD 2.83 billion/$ 275 million) and Jet Contractors (MAD 2 billion/$ 194 million), alongside international entities like GTR, a subsidiary of France’s Colas (MAD 2.2 billion/$ 214 million).
The Kenitra-Marrakech LGV project is more than just a high-speed rail line. It includes connections to the existing rail network, station upgrades, modernization of the Kenitra-Rabat-Casablanca-Marrakech corridor, and the construction of maintenance facilities.
The dedicated high-speed route will link Kenitra’s maintenance hub to Marrakech, passing through strategic locations such as Rabat, Aïn Atiq, Zenata, and Nouaceur.
As part of Morocco’s broader infrastructure strategy, this project aims to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and position the country as a regional transportation hub. The involvement of diverse stakeholders, from Moroccan firms to global players, demonstrates the project’s importance on both national and international levels.
With construction advancing and partnerships solidifying, Morocco’s high-speed rail vision is steadily moving closer to reality.
