A new Chinese company has joined the ranks of players involved in the construction of the high-speed rail (LGV) line between Kénitra and Marrakech. The National Office of Railways (ONCF) has awarded the construction of six viaducts—Ikkem, Cherrat, Nfifikh, Dir, Maleh North, and Maleh South—to the China Gezhouba Group.
Founded in 1970, this subsidiary of the China Energy Engineering Group specializes in the design, construction, and management of large-scale projects in hydroelectric power, rail, and road infrastructure. The company secured this contract by outperforming three competitors, including two Moroccan entities: the SNCE/Capep/Seprob consortium and the Société Générale des Travaux du Maroc (SGTM). Another Chinese contender, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, was also in the running.
2.32 billion dirhams
According to information obtained by TelQuel, the cost of the work awarded to China Gezhouba Group amounts to 2.32 billion dirhams, which is lower than the ONCF’s initial estimate of 2.76 billion dirhams.
The construction of the LGV line between Kénitra and Marrakech, scheduled for commercial operation in November 2029, aims to enhance intercity mobility as part of preparations for the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco and the Iberian countries (Spain and Portugal). This project includes the creation of a new 365-kilometer railway line connecting Kénitra to Marrakech, along with upgrades to existing railway infrastructure, particularly around the Casablanca hub.
In this extensive project, the ONCF is enlisting top-tier players. China Railway No.4 Engineering (CREC 4) has been awarded the first civil engineering lot for 3.4 billion dirhams. Another Chinese company, Shandong Hi-Speed Engineering Construction, won the second lot, which includes earthworks, civil engineering structures, communication system rehabilitation, and fencing, for a total of 4.3 billion dirhams. The fourth lot, covering earthworks, civil engineering structures, communication restoration, and fencing over a 51-kilometer stretch of the LGV line, was awarded to TGCC for 2.83 billion dirhams.
Additionally, the ONCF, led by Mohamed Rabie Khlie, has recently issued several calls for tenders for other components of the project. Among them is a 3-billion-dirham lot covering the installation of the superstructure, tracks, and catenaries, as well as civil engineering work on operational tracks. This work includes laying rails, sleepers, ballast, and electrical cables to power the trains.
In parallel, another tender has been issued for the supply and installation of a fixed rail electric welding workshop, estimated at 102 million dirhams. This workshop will be equipped with tools integrated into a mobile container, allowing for easy deployment.
Two complementary contracts are also part of this ambitious project. The first, valued at 373 million dirhams, involves civil engineering work between the future Casa Sud station and the Oasis station, passing through the Casablanca-Sidi El Aidi line. This contract includes the construction of two road bridges over the Casablanca urban highway and National Route 1, as well as three railway bridges over Boulevard Fès, Boulevard El Qods, and the Bouskoura Road. The selected contractor will have 30 months to complete the work.
The second contract, worth 73 million dirhams, focuses on civil engineering work between Rabat Agdal and Ain Atiq stations. It includes the extension of a road bridge in Oulad Mtaa, the widening and extension of the Ain Atiq railway bridge, and the construction of a new railway bridge between Rabat and Ain Atiq. These works are expected to be completed within 10 months.
Written in French by Younes Saoury, edited in English by Eric Nielson
