Transformative Railway Development in Morocco
The Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF) has finalized an agreement to construct five new railway stations, an essential component of the ambitious high-speed rail project linking Kenitra and Marrakech. This significant contract, awarded to Jet Contractors, is valued at around 437.6 million dirhams, excluding taxes. The initiative aims to expand the national rail network and enhance its infrastructure, reflecting Morocco's commitment to improving its transportation services.
The construction will include a high-speed train station in the Green City of Ben Guerir, along with additional regional stations in the same city, as well as in Sidi Bouathmane, Sidi Ghannem, and Marrakech Stadium. These stations are designed to facilitate better railway access across the Kenitra-Marrakech corridor, addressing the growing demand for efficient transportation in the region.
According to the announcement from the open tender results numbered 26T053/PLGV, Jet Contractors secured this contract with a financial offer of 437 million and 575 thousand and 645 dirhams and 85 centimes, which was deemed the lowest compliant bid against the stipulated administrative and technical criteria outlined in the tender document. Interestingly, this winning bid exceeded the initial cost estimates provided by ONCF, which were set at 385.24 million dirhams, marking an increase of over 52.3 million dirhams or approximately 13.6% beyond the anticipated budget.
This contract further solidifies Jet Contractors' footprint in Morocco's railway infrastructure projects, as the company previously won a contract in March for the construction of the future railway station at the Grand Stadium of Ben Slimane, with a financial proposal of 415.5 million dirhams, exclusive of taxes.
The establishment of these new stations is part of ONCF's broader investment program, which totals 96 billion dirhams, encompassing the development of railway infrastructure, enhancement of the train fleet, and improvement of passenger services. Within this program, 53 billion dirhams are allocated for the infrastructure and equipment related to the high-speed rail line between Kenitra and Marrakech, while 29 billion dirhams are earmarked for the acquisition of 168 new trains, alongside 14 billion dirhams dedicated to maintaining service quality and ensuring the sustainability of the existing railway network.
With these investments, the ONCF aims to expand the national network's capabilities and improve urban connectivity, responding to the increasing demand for railway services and reinforcing the infrastructure readiness for major projects underway throughout Morocco.
As reported by hespress.com.
