ONCF Awards Civil Works Contract to China Gezhouba for Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Link

Monday 25 November 2024 - 07:02

By: ELMIR Barae

ONCF Awards Civil Works Contract to China Gezhouba for Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Link

The National Office of Railways (ONCF) has officially awarded the civil works contract for Lot No. 9 of the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail link to China Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd. The Chinese engineering firm secured the deal with a bid of 2.32 billion dirhams, deemed the most competitive among three contenders, including SNCE/Capep/Seprob, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, and SGTM.

China Gezhouba will be responsible for constructing key viaducts along the route, including Ikkem, Cherrat, Nfifikh, Dir, Maleh Nord, and Maleh Sud. This major step is part of ONCF’s ambitious rail development plan ahead of Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail extension spans 430 kilometers and is projected to cost 53 billion dirhams. This project is central to a broader strategy to expand Morocco’s rail network, which currently covers 2,309 kilometers, including 200 kilometers of high-speed lines and 64% electrified routes.

In addition to connecting key airports in Rabat and Casablanca, the ONCF plans further expansions southward, with a 240-kilometer extension from Marrakech to Agadir. Long-term goals include extending the network to Laâyoune and Dakhla, positioning Morocco as a leader in sustainable mobility.

Between 2025 and 2027, ONCF also plans a separate 10-billion-dirham investment in new rolling stock, maintenance facilities, and infrastructure upgrades. This investment aligns with the vision to enhance passenger services and support increasing rail traffic, which in 2023 transported 52.8 million passengers, including 5 million via high-speed trains, and over 17 million tonnes of freight.

ONCF’s development of a regional express network (RER) for Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech and the acquisition of 168 new trains to modernize its fleet further demonstrate the office’s commitment to sustainable and efficient rail transport.