Implementing the multi-billion Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed railway line in Morocco is slowly taking shape. This is after The Chinese public railway operator China Railway NO.4 Engineering Group Co (CREC 4) won the first batch of civil engineering works for the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed line megaproject. The total value of 3.4 billion dirhams, equating to $350 million, covers these works’ implementation scope. The Moroccan National Office of Railways (ONCF) was responsible for selecting the Chinese conglomerate to carry out these essential works for the high-speed railway line. The line seeks to stretch from Kenitra to Marrakech, two significant enclaves in Morocco separated by about 400 kilometers. The final decision of the ONCF was for the Chinese bid, which was the lowest in terms of cost. The project’s implementation and delivery steadily manifest as Morocco seeks to bring in other contractors.
Project Factsheet
Location: Kentira and Marrakech
Distance: 400 kilometers
Country: Morocco
Significance: Promote transportation between Kenitra and Marrakech
Project duration: 4 years
Cost of Phase: U.S. $4.2 Billion
State of Affairs Regarding Construction of the Kenitra-Marrakech High-speed Railway Line
The multi-billion Kenitra-Marrakech railway project’s construction scope is expected in various subsets and phases. Firstly, the civil engineering works for the project to extend the LGV service to Kenitra and Marrakech will be started. This follows the award of the first lot for “earthworks, engineering structures, communications restoration, and fencing,” as officially reported. CREC 4’s bid was lower than others submitted by highly reputable companies, such as the China Railway 20 TH Bureau Group (9 billion dirhams), GPRT NGE Contracting/Guintoli (4.2 billion dirhams) and China Overseas Engineering Group (3.9 billion dirhams).
It was also lower than that of TGCC (4.2 billion dirhams). CREC 4’s proposal won out over the others as it was financially advantageous. Furthermore, it was technically sound, meeting the requirements of a project such as the high-speed line. The construction project for the extension of the high-speed line is nearing completion as part of Morocco’s development plan. It also coincides with Morocco’s preparations to host the 2030 World Cup.
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375km Kentira-Marrakech high-speed railway Tender Issued in Morocco
The Significance of the Railway Project in Morocco
Implementing the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed railway line is expected to have an unprecedented significance. The line is expected to connect the cities of Tangier and Marrakech in three hours instead of more than seven hours. Furthermore, the realization of the railway’s LGV project represents Morocco’s crucial economic development lever. It will stimulate local employment and strengthen national technological capacities. Furthermore, the project also aims to attract additional foreign investment, consolidating the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for modern and sustainable transport. Morocco also seeks to ensure that the line aims to have the most negligible environmental impact. This will facilitate reducing the carbon footprint within the transport sector as much as possible. All this will be done by applying advanced and environmentally friendly technologies.
The Contractors Involved in the Multibillion Railway Project in Morocco
The Kenitra- Marrakech high-speed railway line is crucial in developing Morocco’s railway infrastructure. This is seen through the decision to select China Railway NO.4 Engineering Corporation for the first civil engineering works of the project. Many commend the resolve as the right one, as the Chinese public company is a subsidiary of CRRC Corporation Limited. This gives CREC 4 crucial backing and a competitive advantage over other players in the sector. The CRRC group is renowned for its wagon and locomotive production capabilities. It has also expanded its international presence with contracts in 116 countries, operating in different markets from Latin America to India. The company has delivered innumerable projects across Africa, and Morocco hopes it will do the same. The company is expected to facilitate the construction of terminal facilities, maintenance bases, and a workshop. The workshop will be specially designed for the maintenance of high-speed trains.
Also read:
Morocco’s 450 Kilometer Kentira-Marrakech High Speed Rail Contract Awarded
