Morocco is continuing its ambition to modernize railway infrastructure with a new major breakthrough in the high-speed line (LGV) project linking Kenitra to Marrakech. This extension, of strategic importance for the country, reached a decisive milestone with the award of a civil engineering contract worth 2.32 billion dirhams ($225 million) to the Chinese group Gezhouba, one of the world leaders in the construction sector.
The contract recently awarded to Gezhouba concerns the construction of several viaducts on strategic waterways, including the Ikkem, Cherrat, Nfifikh, Dir and Maleh rivers. By proposing an offer lower than the initial estimate of 2.76 billion dirhams ($268 million), Gezhouba outperformed its competitors, including the Moroccan SGTM (2.62 billion dirhams) and another Chinese giant, CCECC ( 2.51 billion dirhams).
Gezhouba thus becomes the fifth Chinese group to actively contribute to this transformative railway project, joining other companies such as CRCC 20, China Railway No.04 Engineering, Shandong Hi-Speed Engineering-Construction and Covec. These players share contracts worth ranging from 1.3 billion dirhams ($126 million) to 4.5 billion dirhams ($437 million). Their involvement demonstrates the strong Chinese presence in the modernization of Moroccan infrastructure, a sector where Beijing has been strengthening its position for several years.
However, Moroccan companies are not left out. Groups such as TGCC and Jet Contractors also secured substantial contracts worth Dh2.83 billion and Dh2 billion respectively. These local players play a crucial role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition, in collaboration with international entities such as GTR, a subsidiary of the French group Colas, which won a contract worth 2.2 billion dirhams.
Read also: LGV Kénitra-Marrakech: STAM chosen for civil engineering works
This combination of domestic and foreign expertise reflects a collaborative approach aimed at ensuring the success of this project. By integrating local and global partners, Morocco is optimizing the skills and resources necessary to create an infrastructure that is as complex as it is ambitious.
The extension of the Kenitra-Marrakech LGV is not limited to the construction of a railway line. This project includes a complete modernization of the railway corridor linking Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech. It also provides for the rehabilitation of existing stations, the connection with the traditional railway network, as well as the development of maintenance facilities, in particular the strategic hub of Kénitra.
By serving key localities such as Rabat, Aïn Atiq, Zenata and Nouaceur, this high-speed line aims to improve connectivity between the kingdom’s main cities. More than an infrastructure project, it is part of a global strategy aimed at boosting economic growth, strengthening the country’s attractiveness for foreign investors and positioning Morocco as a regional transport hub.
Despite the progress made, the Kenitra-Marrakech LGV project must overcome several challenges. The overall cost, estimated at several tens of billions of dirhams, requires rigorous management of financing and deadlines. Furthermore, the involvement of international companies, although essential for technical aspects, raises questions about the balance between foreign expertise and local skills development.
Furthermore, the choice to entrust a large part of the work to Chinese groups reflects a well-thought-out strategy of diversification of Morocco’s economic partners. This orientation is part of a dynamic where China, as a major global player, is strengthening its presence in Africa through massive investments in infrastructure.
The extension of the Kenitra-Marrakech LGV represents much more than a simple railway project. It embodies Morocco’s ambition to position itself as a model in terms of modern transport on the African continent.
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