Morocco’s High-Speed Rail Expansion: ONCF Launches Massive Tender for Kenitra-Marrakech Line

The launch of this call for tenders marks a major step forward in the implementation of this mega-project. Estimated at nearly 5 million dirhams, this contract has been divided into five lots covering all the cities affected by the project, according to Les Inspirations Eco. Lot 1 concerns the sites located in the Rabat-Salé region, namely: Sidi Taibi, Sidi Bouknadel, Sidi Abdellah, Salé Tabriquet, Aïn Atiq, as well as the new Rabat railway terminal. Lot 2 takes into account the outskirts of Casablanca and the stations and infrastructure of Mohammedia, Zénata, Sidi Bernoussi and Aïn Sebâa.

As for lot 3, it covers several neighborhoods of Casablanca, including Hay Mohammadi, Sidi Maârouf, Nouvelle Médina, Mers Sultan and Oasis. Lot 4, on the other hand, covers the technical installations located further north of the country, namely the technical center of Fès and the maintenance stations of Skhirat, Mohammedia Facultés, Meknès and Sidi Kacem. Lot 5 focuses on the southern part of the network, and particularly on the technical center of Casablanca-Nouaceur, two sites located at the Casa Voyageurs station, the Casa-Sud area, as well as the stations of Settat and Benguérir, specifies the daily newspaper, stating that the successful bidders will be known by July 17, 2025.

The estimated pre-tax costs of the works for each lot vary between 680,000 dirhams and 1.18 million dirhams, adds the publication. The ONCF gives a 10% preference to Moroccan companies. A policy aimed at encouraging local technical control offices and supporting the local economy. This preference will only apply to mixed groups if the Moroccan component holds at least 30% of the market, it is pointed out.