Morocco Favors Ourika Tunnel for Marrakech-Ouarzazate Connection, Study Shows

The study on the Tichka tunnel to determine its technical and economic feasibility is almost complete. The second is oriented towards the tunnel in the Ourika region. At this level, the preliminary design study is underway and will continue until the end of December 2022, reports L’Economiste. Regarding the comparative analysis of the two options, the Ourika tunnel has an interesting internal rate of return of 10%, compared to 5% for the Tichka tunnel.

Furthermore, for the Ourika site, the Marrakech-Ouarzazate line will be secured by the creation of a "safe and viable" alternative to the RN9, with a reduction in travel time of 78 minutes for light vehicles and 112 minutes for heavy goods vehicles, or a reduction of 54 km, unlike that of Tichka with a reduction of 7.5 km between the two cities, indicates the same source.

The call for tenders concerning the geological, geotechnical and geophysical investigations will be launched in November next, for an effective start in March 2021 over a period of 12 months, details the same site, mentioning that everything will depend on the financing possibilities that will be defined by the government.

The construction of a tunnel connecting Marrakech to Ouarzazate will promote the development of a large region, presenting several assets, especially economic. It will also make it possible to cross the High Atlas chain to facilitate the rallying of Marrakech and Ouarzazate, without taking the Tizi N’Tichka pass road and avoiding 60 km of mountain roads, and many other assets in the development of the region.