The Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) awarded two subsidiaries of Colas three major contracts totalling EUR 430 million to develop the Kenitra – Marrakech HSR.
The Moroccan subsidiary GTR (Les Grands Travaux Routiers) has been selected for lot no. 3 of the civil engineering works, worth nearly EUR 180 million. In addition, Colas Rail will be responsible for the design and construction of the tracks, catenary systems and substations for a total of EUR 200 million. The rail subsidiary will also carry out lot no. 1 of the superstructure and civil engineering works on tracks in operation, amounting to EUR 50 million.
GTR will be responsible for earthworks, standard engineering works and the construction of 5 bridges along 40 km of line. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
The work being carried out by Colas Rail, in a consortium with SETEC, covers tracks, catenary systems, work bases, electrical substations and civil engineering on a 346 km single-track high-speed section and a 112 km single-track section on the regional network. This work is scheduled for completion in 2028.
These three contracts, to be carried out on the route between Kenitra and Casablanca, are a continuation of the LGV Nord, which links Tangiers to Kenitra, and aim to extend the rail network as far as Marrakech with world-class infrastructure, in preparation for hosting the 2030 World Cup.
“We are proud to participate in the development of Morocco’s railway infrastructure on behalf of ONCF. This project demonstrates our commitment to the Kingdom’s economic development and our support for major initiatives such as the hosting of the 2030 World Cup”, said Francis Grass, Executive Vice President EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) of Colas.
In 2024, ONCF awarded a project management assistance contract.
Kenitra – Marrakech HSR is part of Rail Morocco 2040 Plan which will support country’s strategy to decarbonise transport and to promote low-carbon mobility. The strategy includes the extension of the existing high-speed line between Tangiers and Kenitra to Marrakech, providing a high-speed rail link between the capital Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangiers.
The new line will enable trains to travel at 320km/h over 430 km route, making Morocco’s rail network one of the most modern and efficient in the world. It is expected that the project will be inaugurated at the end of 2029.
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