Morocco’s High-Speed Rail Expands: Rabat Tunnel Contract Awarded for Kénitra-Marrakech Line

The National Railway Office (ONCF) has entrusted the construction of the tunnel under Rabat to the consortium formed by SGTM and Sinohydro Bureau 5, a Chinese company, after it presented the most economically advantageous bid. The contract was awarded for an amount of 1.4 billion dirhams.

According to the call for tenders, this tunnel will extend over 3,300 meters under the city of Rabat, from the Bouregreg valley to connect to the Rabat-Agdal station. It will include a 2,750-meter double-track monobloc tunnel, an uncovered 50-meter surface area, and a 500-meter covered four-track trench. The northeast end of the tunnel will be approximately at PK 235+450, near the Bouregreg valley and close to the existing railway line in operation.

The southwest end will be located approximately in the Jardin d’Essai at PR 238+200, with an open-air part to ensure secure access, the call for tenders of which Hespress FR has a copy. From PK 238+250 to PK 238+750, the tunnel will continue with a four-track cover, incorporating two new tracks and two existing tracks approaching the Rabat-Agdal forecourt. The duration of the work is 42 months.

Designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h, the line connecting Kénitra to Marrakech will be operated at 320 km/h, over a distance of about 450 km. It is planned to directly connect Tangier to Marrakech without going through Casablanca. Two routes have been proposed for the train’s arrival in Casablanca. It is also planned that the high-speed train line will pass through an alternative route in Benslimane (the stadium) towards Nouaceur. This will host the establishment of a new station or distribution center.