The construction of the high-speed rail line (LGV) between Kénitra and Marrakech is gaining momentum. After awarding the first civil engineering contract to the Chinese company China Railway NO.4 Engineering (CREC 4) for 3.4 billion dirhams, another Chinese firm has been selected to carry out the second phase, which includes earthworks, bridge structures, communication restoration, and fencing.
The National Railway Office (ONCF) awarded this contract to Shandong Hi-Speed Engineering Construction for 4.05 billion dirhams. The company presented the most competitive financial offer, outbidding China Overseas Engineering Group, which proposed 4.25 billion dirhams, CRCC 20 with 4.3 billion dirhams, and TGCC, the only Moroccan company in the running—led by Mohammed Bouzoubaa—that submitted a bid of 4.7 billion dirhams.
Founded in 2021, Shandong Hi-Speed Engineering Construction Group is a subsidiary of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group. Specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects, the company is involved in the construction of highways, bridges, railways, and other major civil engineering works. It also participates in international projects as part of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” with significant contracts in Serbia and Zambia.
As recently reported by TelQuel, the ONCF has issued several calls for tenders for this large-scale project, which aims to improve intercity mobility in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco and the Iberian countries.
These tenders specifically focus on increasing rail capacity between Kénitra and Marrakech, as well as at the Casablanca hub. The first contract, with a budget of over 3 billion dirhams, covers superstructure works, track and catenary installation, and civil engineering for existing railway lines. These tasks include the installation of rails, sleepers, ballast, and the necessary electrical cables to power the trains.
Simultaneously, the ONCF, led by Mohamed Rabie Khlie, has launched a second tender for the supply and installation of a fixed electric rail welding workshop, valued at 102 million dirhams. This workshop will be equipped with self-contained tools integrated into a container, making it easy to install within a mobile infrastructure.
Additionally, two other tenders have been issued as part of the effort to boost rail capacity between Kénitra and Marrakech and within the Casablanca hub. The first contract, estimated at over 373 million dirhams, involves civil engineering work between the future Casa Sud station and Oasis station, extending to the Casablanca-Sidi El Aidi railway line. The selected contractor will have 30 months to construct two road bridges along Casablanca’s urban highway and National Route 1, as well as three railway bridges on Boulevard Fès, Boulevard El Qods, and the Bouskoura road.
The second contract, worth 73 million dirhams, covers civil engineering work between the Rabat Agdal and Ain Atiq stations. The selected contractor will need to extend the road bridge at Oulad Mtaa, widen and extend the Ain Atiq railway bridge, and build a new railway bridge between Rabat and Ain Atiq. This work is expected to be completed within 10 months.
Written in French by Younes Saoury, edited in English by Eric Nielson
