Morocco Plans New Railway Line from Casablanca to Béni Mellal

According to the call for tenders, these studies will cover several projects: doubling and straightening the track between Khouribga and Oued Zem, as well as the construction of engineering structures to replace level crossings between Sidi el Aidi and Oued Zem, reports Challenge. The total cost of these studies is estimated at 38 million dirhams. The bids will be opened in Rabat on September 19.

This decision follows a recent meeting between the Wali of the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region and the CEO of the ONCF, who highlighted the strategic importance of this project for the region. Indeed, this new railway line should generate significant economic benefits. "Flagship project of the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region, this railway line will have very positive socio-economic impacts on the region and its inhabitants, in addition to its key role in shortening the distances between the region and the cities of Casablanca and Rabat," writes the magazine.

This project is part of a broader dynamic of modernization of the Moroccan railway network. The ONCF has recently chosen the consortium composed of Egis, Systra and Novec for the project management assistance contract for the infrastructure of the high-speed line between Kenitra and Marrakech. This ambitious project will allow the commissioning of high-speed trains running at 320 km/h on more than 430 kilometers of new lines. The inauguration is scheduled for the end of 2029, just before the Football World Cup.