Rabat – Morocco is poised to boost its rail and train infrastructure ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
French construction giant Colas has secured three major contracts worth €430 million to expand Morocco’s high-speed rail network between Kenitra and Marrakech.
The deal marks a significant milestone in Morocco’s infrastructure development ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“We take pride in contributing to Morocco’s railway infrastructure development for ONCF,” said Francis Grass, Cola’s General Director. “This project demonstrates our commitment to the Kingdom’s economic growth and our support for major initiatives like hosting the 2030 World Cup.”
The company’s Moroccan subsidiary Grands Travaux Routiers (GTR) will handle the €180 million civil engineering package, which includes earthworks, engineering structures, and the construction of five bridges across a 40-kilometer stretch. The project will be completed by late 2027.
Meanwhile, in partnership with SETEC, Colas Rail won two additional contracts totaling €250 million.
The larger contract, valued at €200 million, covers the design and construction of tracks, overhead lines, and electrical substations.
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The second contract, worth €50 million, focuses on superstructure work and civil engineering on operational tracks.
“After completing the track and overhead line work for Morocco’s first high-speed rail line between Tangier and Kenitra from 2014 to 2018, Colas Rail is proud to continue developing high-speed rail lines in the Kingdom of Morocco,” explained Colas Rail President Hervé Le Jolliff.
The project will extend the existing high-speed line that connects Tangier to Kenitra, creating a world-class rail network reaching Marrakech.
The scope includes 346 kilometers of single-track high-speed rail and 112 kilometers of single-track regional network, with completion scheduled for 2028.
Colas, which has operated in Morocco for nearly a century, signed these contracts in January, further cementing its position as a key infrastructure partner in the country’s development.
The contract is part of the country’s commitment to enhance its railway transportation, boost connectivity across the country, and reduce travel time for citizens.
Morocco’s National Railways Office (ONCF) reported a strong performance in 2024, noting the transportation of 55 million passengers, with the high-speed rail service, Al Boraq, playing a key role.
